He couldn't stand going to the bench and sparks a crisis: Cristiano Ronaldo flees Portugal's training camp

For years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the undisputed figure of Portugal. Because of his footballing qualities and his particular personality, the forward became the main reference point of his country's football. However, at 41 years old, he is beginning to stop being a priority. Jorge Jesús, the coach of the Portuguese side, made a decision as controversial as it was complex: not considering him for the match against Norway in the Nations League. The strategist sent him to the substitutes' bench and never took him off it. The attacker, weary of the decision, fled the training camp. His presence in the match against Denmark is an absolute unknown. He couldn't stand going to the bench and sparks a crisis: Cristiano Ronaldo flees Portugal's training camp The accounts diverge. Some report that there was an agreement between the coach and the player for him to play at least 30 minutes. However, the coach flatly dismissed that understanding and imposed the prerogatives his position allows him. "I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach. I told the player he wasn't going to play. 'I'll put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you'll play; if not, you won't,'" he explained. Then, with no intention whatsoever of backing down, he stated his position. "No player will make me change my mind. Not him, not anyone in football. Not any president. Never, absolutely no one," he declared, regarding the conviction with which he carries out his role. Shortly before, the strategist had dismissed any problems with the striker. "Yesterday he didn't refuse to train. Francisco Conceição didn't train due to injury, nor did Félix, because we were trying to relieve fatigue, and Cristiano Ronaldo did gym work. He will train today. It's the fourth day, so he will train." But CR7 did not appear. Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: Portugal national team on X) The Portuguese federation acknowledged the star's absence, though it did not go into the reason. "Information about the training session at the Parkenstadion: João Félix has rejoined the team. Francisco Conceição (unavailable for tomorrow) and Cristiano Ronaldo did not train. Thank you," it stated in a statement. Beyond the striker's swift departure on the day of the match, there was another telling sign: he did not show up for the practice session held by the substitutes. This Wednesday, Pedro Proença, the president of the governing body of Portuguese football, had planned to meet with both of them to bring positions closer together. It is not yet known whether the meeting took place, let alone its possible conclusions. NEWSLETTER El Deportivo Monday, 8:45 AM A special selection with coverage and analysis of the most important sporting events of the weekend, by the Sports team of La Tercera. By subscribing you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of La Tercera.