Cristiano Ronaldo gives his account of leaving Portugal’s squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his departure from Portugal’s camp, saying: “Believe me, this is the pure truth.” He says he spoke as promised, to recount in his own words the circumstances surrounding the final part of the national team’s trip.

Ronaldo also refers to a letter addressed to the Portuguese people. Prepared after the 2026 World Cup and still in his possession, it was to contain the words he wanted to share when he eventually left the team for good.

He then describes discussions about the coaching appointment. Ronaldo says he was asked for his opinion on the current national-team coach, among several names that were not disclosed to him. He says he was genuinely pleased when the choice was announced. In his account, the coach told him he was counting on him and that his presence was essential to the project.

The proposed plan, Ronaldo says, was for him to play the first and last matches, with three or four changes per game for physical preparation reasons. He says he was offered the chance to play the first match, stay in Portugal and rejoin the squad before the game at Dragão stadium. He felt, however, that receiving that privilege would not have set a good example.

Ronaldo adds that the request fell outside his recovery and physical-training programme: he had only been due to play at Dragão, on the 4th, but agreed. He says he was not due to play in Denmark, but was due to feature in the match against Dragão. He also describes a press conference whose atmosphere, in his view, differed from their private meeting the previous day. He says he perceived expressions and aggression that he considered undeserved.

His account also includes an accusation against Jorge Jesus: Ronaldo accuses him of lying. He says that, if faced with the situation today, he would not do the same. Ronaldo also says he will remain available to the national team after serving his suspension, provided he is in good physical shape and playing for his club. He adds that a player with more than 230 appearances for the national team does not need lessons from him about loving Portugal.