Ronaldo demands punishment for Portugal walkout and issues double apology to fans and teammates

Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him for abandoning the national team camp, issuing apologies to both supporters and teammates in a lengthy statement published on Tuesday night.

The veteran forward walked out on Portugal last week after what he described as broken promises by head coach Jorge Jesus regarding his playing time. The departure came after a match against Norway in which Ronaldo also drew criticism for walking straight down the tunnel without acknowledging fans in attendance.

On that incident, Ronaldo was unequivocal in accepting blame. “At the end of the match I only wanted everything to finish with the victory and to be alone. I did not go to greet the fans,” he wrote. “A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened. I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.”

Ronaldo extended his apology to his Portugal teammates while maintaining that Jesus had broken his word — a claim he said could be verified by those present during those conversations. Despite that grievance, he acknowledged his response was wrong.

“I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp,” his statement read. “Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine.”

Most strikingly, Ronaldo argued that his status as captain should be treated as an aggravating factor rather than a reason for leniency. “The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.”

He added: “I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences. Anyone who is in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.”

The Portuguese Football Federation has not yet announced whether disciplinary proceedings will be opened against the 39-year-old.