Ronaldo Breaks Silence After Portugal Walkout, Says He Will Remain Available For National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he is not ready to retire from international football, saying he remains available for Portugal despite walking out of the national team camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain left the squad after being told he would not start against Denmark last Thursday. Ronaldo had earlier been an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Portugal subsequently defeated Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen.

In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo admitted that leaving the camp was wrong and apologised to Portuguese fans and his teammates. However, he maintained that the decision followed a breakdown of trust after Jesus allegedly failed to honour an agreement over his playing time.

Ronaldo said he had agreed with the federation on a plan for managing his appearances and expected Jesus to clarify the situation publicly. He claimed the coach failed to follow through on that understanding, prompting him to leave.

“I should not have done it. The responsibility is entirely mine,” Ronaldo said, adding that he expects to be punished. He also said his position as captain should be considered an aggravating factor.

Portugal’s disciplinary regulations reportedly allow for a one-to-six-month suspension and a fine if a player abandons a national-team activity without justification. It remains unclear whether Ronaldo’s departure will be treated as a punishable offence under those rules.

Despite the controversy, Jesus and Portuguese federation president Pedro Proença have played down the dispute and indicated that Ronaldo could return to the squad.

Ronaldo also revealed that he had prepared a farewell letter after the World Cup but decided to continue playing after the federation asked him to stay.

The veteran forward made clear that retirement is not imminent, saying Portugal will eventually have “one or more farewell matches”, but there will be time for that.

For now, Ronaldo says he wants to remain fit, serve any punishment imposed and continue competing for Portugal.