Defiant Ronaldo says he is still available for Portugal
Lisbon: Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out international retirement for now, saying he remains available for Portugal despite leaving the team’s training camp during the current international window.
The 41-year-old forward said he owed an apology to fans and teammates and expected to be punished, but insisted he would return after serving any suspension.
“I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
Ronaldo left the camp after newly appointed coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen after Ronaldo had been an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo.
Ronaldo said Jesus had agreed to a plan for managing his playing time and to explain it publicly, but failed to honour the agreement. He said Jesus had also failed to follow eight points agreed for a news conference, leading to a breakdown in trust.
Portugal’s disciplinary regulations allow a suspension of one to six months, along with a fine, for leaving a national team camp without justification.
Ronaldo accepted responsibility and said there should be no mitigating circumstances, adding that he had never interfered in a coach’s technical decisions.
The Al-Nassr forward said he would remain available for Portugal if physically fit and performing for his club.
