Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal forward not retiring but says he wants to be punished for walking out
Cristiano Ronaldo has stated he is not retiring from international football despite a recent conflict with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. The forward admitted he deserves punishment for walking out on the team but cited a breach of trust regarding playing time as the cause of his actions.
Why it matters
The public dispute between a high-profile athlete and his national team coach highlights the complexities of team management and player expectations in professional sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for Portugal in 234 appearances
Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not retiring from international football but deserves to be punished for walking out on Portugal after head coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word".
The 41-year-old captain left his country's Nations League camp last week after being an unused substitute against Norway and then finding out he would not start against Denmark.
Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances - both world records - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
In a lengthy statement , external , which ran to nearly 2,000 words, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player said he should be held accountable for his actions.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Ronaldo says he's not retiring but deserves 'punishment' over Portugal walkout
'He will help Ruben Amorim' - Portugal boss Jorge Jesus backs AC Milan hitman Goncalo Ramos to shine in Italy
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star breaks silence over national team walkout in statement
Cristiano Ronaldo accuses coach Jesus of broken promises but leaves Portugal return open
Ronaldo apologizes, blames Portugal coach Jorge Jesus in statement
“Apologize? For What”: Portugal Coach Gets Fired Up Over Cristiano Ronaldo Controversy
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