Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp before the Denmark game

EDIT: The game finished with a 4:2 win for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp in Copenhagen before Thursday’s game against Denmark at Parken Stadium.

The 41-year-old forward was an unused substitute in Portugal’s narrow win over Norway, then did not train with the squad on Tuesday. He left the camp on Wednesday evening and was later seen departing Copenhagen by private jet.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has said there is no rift with Ronaldo and that he will explain the reasons “in time.” Ronaldo had previously said he would not object to being rested, but he also said he would tell the Portuguese people the truth later.

The move has raised fresh questions over Ronaldo’s international future. He remains 21 goals short of 1,000 career goals for club and country, and his departure came after a round of meetings between him, the Portuguese federation and Jesus.

Ronaldo, the captain and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has spent much of his Portugal career under intense scrutiny, and this latest exit adds another sharp episode to that record.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp before the Denmark game

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