What happened behind closed doors before 'betrayed' Cristiano Ronaldo walked out on Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's close friend has revealed he has walked out on the Portugal national team after feeling "betrayed".
Captain and record goalscorer Ronaldo was furious after being left on the bench for Portugal's win over Norway, storming down the tunnel as soon as the final whistle sounded.
He missed training in Malmo ahead of the game against Denmark in Copenhagen, instead heading back to the hotel gym for a session.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly felt 'betrayed' before Portugal walkout
It was reported that an emergency meeting was held involving Ronaldo, Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president, Pedro Proenca, who changed plans to fly out and resolve the issue.
But despite positive reports emerging from the sit-down, Ronaldo left the training camp abruptly ahead of the game with Denmark and his international future appears uncertain.
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In a press conference, Jesus put out a clear message that no player is bigger than the team as he stated: "I can promise whatever I want. I am the manager. I am the coach, and I told the player he was not going to play. I'll put him on the bench; if I need you for 30 minutes, you'll play, and if not, you won't. No player will ever change my mind. Not him, not anyone in football. Not any president either. Never, zero."
In an exclusive report on El Chiringuito, Edu Aguirre shed light on the situation and claims that Ronaldo feels "betrayed" by what has happened.
According to Aguirre, Jesus asked for forgiveness from Ronaldo in a private meeting and said he would apologise in his press conference.
That did not happen in the presser, with Ronaldo feeling as though comments were made that were untrue and that it was an attempt from Jesus to show that he is in control.
The Al Nassr star decided to go home and will not play in Nations League games against Denmark or Norway. His sister Elma dos Santos Aveiro slammed the treatment of Ronaldo in an explosive Instagram statement which hinted at his retirement from international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo's statement as potential six-month ban looms
Ronaldo did issue a statement on the matter, posting on Instagram to reveal he had left the camp after Jesus' press conference and a subsequent meeting with Proenca, the PFF chief.
He added that, "In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, which I always dedicated myself to".
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But Ronaldo's conduct could well see him receive punishment, as there are clear rules regarding absences without justification and a six-month suspension if possible.
As per ESPN, the FPF disciplinary regulations on unauthorised absence from the national team state: "Any player who, having been duly called up, abandons or fails to attend training, a match, or any activity of the national teams or related to the sporting representation of the FPF or Portugal without justification, shall be sanctioned with a suspension of one to six months and, accessorily if a professional player, a fine between 500 and 1,000 euros."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Josh Lawless