Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp as Jesus cites workload plan

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s national-team camp after a conversation with federation president Pedro Proença, while manager Jorge Jesus said the forward’s absence from the team’s matches against Norway and Denmark had been part of a prearranged workload plan. The accounts differ over whether Ronaldo expected to play against Norway, and his stated reason for leaving has not been made public in the material available. Ronaldo announced on Instagram that he had decided to leave the camp after speaking with Proença and would explain his reasons later. He wished Portugal and his teammates well. His post did not say whether the decision was connected to his role in the Norway match or to the plan Jesus described. Jesus said he had agreed with Ronaldo before the Norway fixture that the 41-year-old would sit out both matches. He said he nevertheless considered using Ronaldo if the game required it. Ronaldo warmed up during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway but remained an unused substitute as Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal and the match’s tactical demands shaped the coach’s decision.