Lisbon, Oct 7:
Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised for walking out of the Portugal camp but said he remains available for international duty, leaving the door open for a return despite his public dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain left the squad after being told he would not start against Denmark, following an earlier match against Norway in which he remained on the bench. Ronaldo later accused Jesus of breaking promises over his playing time and said the dispute prompted his departure.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo said there had been an understanding that he would miss the Norway and Denmark matches as part of a plan to manage his fitness. He claimed that the agreement changed when Jesus told him he would play for 30 minutes against Norway but ultimately did not send him onto the field.
Ronaldo also said he had agreed with Jesus that the circumstances would be explained publicly, but alleged that the coach’s subsequent comments differed from what had been discussed privately. He said this was the second time he felt the coach had broken his word and that he therefore decided to leave the camp.
The Portugal star nevertheless accepted responsibility for his actions. He apologised to his teammates for leaving the camp and for failing to greet supporters after the Norway match, saying his position as captain made his conduct more serious. He also said any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation should be accepted.
Ronaldo stressed that he had not retired from international football. He said that if he was fit and playing for his club, and after serving any punishment imposed on him, he would remain available to compete for Portugal.
Jesus has already indicated that Ronaldo could return if he wants to. Portugal have also progressed to the Nations League quarter-finals, keeping the possibility of another chapter in the Ronaldo-Portugal story alive.