Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his decision to leave the national team camp, saying he felt compelled to do so after what he described as a breach of trust by the Portuguese Football Federation and the national team coach.
According to popular sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo said he had sought clarity from the federation president and coach before leaving, insisting that he would have accepted their decision if they had simply told him they no longer wanted him in the squad.
According to the forward, he specifically asked the two officials during a conversation on the morning of a press conference whether his place in the national team was still wanted.
He said both responded that he remained an important part of the team. Ronaldo said he subsequently decided to leave when he felt that commitment had not been honoured.
“For me the truth is still the most important thing in the relationship between people,” Ronaldo said, adding that he would rather be told the truth, even when it was painful.
The veteran forward also rejected any suggestion that he had interfered with the tactical decisions of Portugal coaches during his nearly 25-year international career.
He said he had always accepted the decisions of national team managers and respected whatever role he was given.
Ronaldo, however, acknowledged that leaving the camp was wrong and apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public.
He said his status as captain made the incident more serious and accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation should determine an appropriate punishment without mitigating circumstances.
“I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also addressed speculation that the federation could arrange a farewell for him, saying he expected to have one or more farewell matches at the appropriate time.
For now, however, Ronaldo said his priority remained competing for Portugal rather than preparing for a farewell.
He recalled remaining with the national team after learning of his father’s death, saying the decision reflected the importance he places on representing his country.
Ronaldo said that, provided he remains fit and continues playing for his club, he would make himself available for Portugal after serving any suspension imposed on him.
He maintained that his intention remains to compete and win for the national team, describing that commitment as “the purest of truths.”
