Ronaldo refuses retirement but admits breach of trust with Portugal coach

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he has no intention of retiring from international football, while simultaneously acknowledging that he deserves sanctions for abandoning the Portugal camp during the recent Nations League fixtures. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward admitted that his decision to walk out constituted a “breach of the coach’s trust” but maintained that he wishes to continue representing his country.

In a detailed statement, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player insisted that the Portuguese Football Federation should assess the consequences of his actions and impose a punishment that is not reduced. “I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences,” Ronaldo said, adding that he remains available to compete once any suspension period concludes.

Ronaldo, who holds the world records for most goals (146) and appearances (234) for Portugal, exited the squad after being named as an unused substitute against Norway and subsequently learning he would not start in the match against Denmark. While Portugal manager Jorge Jesus stated on Sunday that the door remains open for the captain’s return, Ronaldo provided a contrasting account of the dispute in his nearly 2,000-word release.

The striker claimed that Jesus had previously agreed to a plan where he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark to manage his fitness. However, Ronaldo alleged that the day of the Norway game, the 72-year-old coach informed him he would play for 30 minutes. “Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on,” he wrote. “The manager had broken his word to me.”

Ronaldo further stated that a subsequent meeting produced an agreement for Jesus to clarify the situation at a press conference, resulting in an eight-point document. He asserted that this document confirmed he had never demanded playing time and respected the coach’s decisions, while also noting that asking him to warm up without entering the match was acknowledged as a mistake.

The all-time appearance holder for Portugal claimed that while the notes did not require an apology from Jesus, the coach’s public remarks failed to reflect their private discussions. “It was the second time he had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo explained. “I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises.”