Ronaldo reveals he’s not yet calling it quits with Portugal’s national team, apologises to team mates.

By Stephen Oladele

Veteran soccer star and captain of the portugese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, has hinted of not calling it quits with the national team yet.

Ronaldo had  last Thursday left the potugese camp after the national team coach, Jorge Jesus, who invited him to the camp refused to feature him for matches.

He left the camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark on Thursday.

The soccer star who had earlier been left out in Portugal’s 2-1 against Norway on Sunday took the decision to leave the camp  shortly after coach Jesus revealed that he was not expected to start the game in Copenhagen.

His departure from the camp was seen by many as meaning he would be leaving the team for good.

The 41-year-old forward who has been part of the Portugese national team for over 20 years however indicated in a statement his willingness to continue as a member of the team.

He also expressed his readiness to serve whatever punishment he may deserve for leaving the team’s camp while apologising to his team mate over his action.

The statement reads: “As promised, I want to explain directly what happened at the last national team camp.

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•After the World Cup, the FPF President insisted I reconsider leaving and asked my opinion on the current coach. I said he would be the right choice 

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“In August, the coach told me I was fundamental to his project: I’d play the first and last games. He suggested I skip the away trips, but I refused: a captain doesn’t stay home. Simão Coutinho witnessed it.

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“On the day of the Norway game, he asked if I was ready to play 30 minutes. It wasn’t in the plan, but I said yes. I warmed up from half-time and was never called upon. He had broken his word. Not greeting the fans afterwards was my fault, and I apologise”.

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“48 hours later, with Coutinho present, we agreed he would tell the truth in the press room: the plan was his, I never asked for minutes, and making me warm up without playing was a mistake. He asked me for a hug and promised. I approved a short document with those notes.

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“That morning I had told the President and the coach: if you don’t want me, just tell me. Both said no.

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“The press conference had nothing to do with what we agreed. I heard an aggression I did not deserve. It was the second time he broke his word.

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“In almost 25 years I have never interfered in a technical decision. But when my word is broken, my place is not there.

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“I apologise to my teammates for leaving. The responsibility is mine alone. The FPF should punish me with no mitigating circumstances; as captain, that’s an aggravating factor.

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“There are talks of farewell games. But I learned, when I was hungry, that nobody gives anything to anyone. The national team, for me, means competing.

“When my father died, I stayed until the next match was over. I did that for my country”.

“If I’m fit, after my suspension, I’ll be available, as always, to compete and win for Portugal.

“This is the absolute truth.”