Ronaldo slams the door on Portugal and faces a barrage of criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal national team gathering on Wednesday following a confrontation with coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old striker skipped training and then took a private jet to Madrid, leaving uncertainty about the future of his international career.

Before departing, Ronaldo posted a message on Instagram announcing he would tell « the truth to all Portuguese people » in due course. No official international retirement decision has been announced, but Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claims that the player with the most caps and the most goals in Seleção history will never wear the national shirt again.

The reaction from observers has been severe. « This guy left planet Earth a few years ago, he’s in another world, » Daniel Riolo said bluntly. « It’s clear that his teammates couldn’t be with him anymore. Even if he hasn’t announced it definitively, with this behavior, the federation and Jorge Jesus can’t just brush it aside. »

Hervé Mathoux was equally direct: « This excessive pride is contributing to spoiling the end. Of course it damages his image. Fortunately for him, he’s done so many great things that we’ll still remember what he did before. But this is an exit that is sad and pathetic. When a player doesn’t understand the arc of his career, it almost makes us feel sorry for him. »

If the break is confirmed, Ronaldo would end his international career with a dramatic departure rather than a dignified retirement befitting a player who holds the records for caps and goals with Portugal.