Cristiano Ronaldo does not quit the national team and accepts the sanction
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, sent a letter in which he explains his departure from the national camp after the match against Norway and assures that, “After serving the sanction, I will be available” to wear the shirt again.
Letter of apology and commitment
In the missive, which was quoted by PABLO DEL OLIVO, the forward explained that he left the camp after the first match against Norway and that his decision does not imply renouncing future call‑ups. He noted that he will remain available for the next encounter against Georgia and that his intention is to continue being part of the Portugal national team. He also asked forgiveness from teammates and the coaching staff.
Ronaldo expressed his remorse saying: “I apologise to the Portuguese people who supported intensely, to the fans and to those, not being Portuguese, who travelled there to see me”. He acknowledged that his early departure was a lack of confidence in the coach’s word and stated that the responsibility is exclusively his. He added that “the consequences of my actions must be evaluated and sanctioned by the Portuguese Football Federation”.
Possible sanctions from the Federation
The regulations of the Portuguese Football Federation provide for a suspension of between one and six months and a monetary fine of between 5 and 10 units of account (UC). Each UC is equivalent to approximately €102, which places the fine between €500 and €1,000. Ronaldo accepted that the punishment should not be mitigated because of his status as captain.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of broken promises, Portugal in crisis
The star emphasized that, “anyone in football, like me, knows that, regardless of individual position, the rules are the same for everyone”. He recalled the day he received the news of his father’s death, stating that he remained in the national team training until the end of the following match. He concluded that his commitment to the national shirt is unshakable.
Break with the coach and uncertain future
According to reports, Ronaldo will not play for Portugal again unless Jorge Jesus leaves the coaching role. Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martínez after the elimination in the round of 16 by Spain, admitted that it was a mistake to warm up Ronaldo and not use him against Denmark, but did not offer a public apology. In his statements, Jesus said: “Cris is the one who will decide” and left the door open for his return if the player wishes.
The clash arose when Jesus did not line up Ronaldo in the Nations League match against Denmark, despite having promised him minutes after the encounter with Norway. Following the decision, the forward left the camp and posted on his social media: “In due time, I will tell the whole Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated my departure”. The federation has not yet announced a definitive sanction.
Ronaldo asks Jorge Jesus to read a text comparing him to Pelé and Maradona
Portugal will contest its next Nations League commitments on November 14 and 17 against Denmark and Wales. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has resumed training with Al‑Nassr, which restarted its league schedule on Friday. His stance could influence the manager’s planning and the cohesion of the national group.