Crazy Cristiano Ronaldo theory proven correct after Al-Nassr star storms out on Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's swift exit from Portugal's international camp only proves that one crazy theory is correct.
On Wednesday morning (September 30), it was revealed that Ronaldo held a crisis meeting with manager Jorge Jesus after Portugal's record scorer was an unused substitute during their Nations League victory over Norway on Monday night.
Ronaldo was angry at the decision and stormed down the tunnel without greeting the fans at the final whistle. The storm surrounding the Al-Nassr forward became even bigger when he skipped training and has now announced his decision to leave Portugal's camp.
Cristiano Ronaldo releases statement after leaving Portugal's camp
“After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on social media on Wednesday night.
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“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself”.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates”.
Ronaldo promised the fans he would expose the real truth and the "reasons" for his departure in due time, with this decision raising eyebrows over his immediate future in international football.
The 41-year-old said he considered retiring from Portugal after this summer's World Cup but opted to continue as he chases down a landmark 1,000 career goals.
When asked about the situation ahead of his side's Nations League clash with Denmark on Thursday (October 1), Jesus insisted there was "no incident".
"There was no incident whatsoever," Jesus said. "Any player - and I was a player myself - when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no one is happy about that."
Didi Hamann thinks Cristiano Ronaldo was picking himself at Portugal
Ronaldo is the greatest player ever in the eyes of many, and when he wasn't brought on against Norway, it clearly hurt his pride.
Across his career, the former Real Madrid superstar has become used to being the main man, but as he approaches the end of his career, his decline has been noticeable.
The Al-Nassr forward had a World Cup to forget, but was consistently selected by then-manager Roberto Martinez, even when he was performing poorly.
It raised the theory online that Ronaldo had a say in the team selection, with former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann offering his viewpoint after Portugal drew with DR Congo at the World Cup in June.
When asked if he was joking about Ronaldo picking the team, Hamann said via The Sun: "There there was a friendly match last week, the last warm-up game before the World Cup, and there were 10 changes made at halftime.
“One carried on, and it wasn’t the goalkeeper. It was him, and I think there was a case two years ago; it was a case four years ago. I don’t think he helped them four years ago in the World Cup.
“And I just don’t understand it because he seems to have so much influence that he pretty much picks himself.
“If he says, ‘I’m playing’ or ‘I’m staying on’, he’s staying on. I don’t think the manager will ever take him off without asking him.
“And I think he could be a huge help to the team if he came on 20 minutes from time, when the opposition is tired, with his heading ability, with his shooting ability, to really make an impact against a tired defence.
“It’s very hard to do it at the start of the game, and I really think if he didn’t play, they’ve got João Félix, that’s where I’m just looking, the option, Gonçalo Ramos."
Hamann's comments look even more correct now that Ronaldo has stormed out of Portugal, perhaps indicating there was some truth behind his theory.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Football News
Thomas Griffin