Ronaldo training refusal claims were rejected by Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, who insisted there was no issue involving the veteran forward ahead of the Nations League clash with Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) later confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of the squad’s final training session on Wednesday, further shrouding the captain’s health in mystery.
The video emerged on Portugal’s A Bola website, suggesting Ronaldo was being driven away from Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in an FPF car. He left promptly after Jesus told reporters he would be participating in the session, the report said, adding that he is 41 years old.
Spanish newspaper Marca went on to report that Ronaldo was leaving for Madrid on a private jet, and Reuters received the same confirmation via the FPF, that Ronaldo had missed the last session.
The developments came after Ronaldo had a limited role in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday. At first, Jesus said he would send for the Al-Nassr striker as a replacement, but it didn’t happen.
Ronaldo then had his own training session on Monday and Tuesday in the gym without any sign that he had suffered an injury. Ronaldo’s refusal of the team was denied after the Portuguese star made it clear that he was not having a problem working with the team before Wednesday’s training session. The Portugal coach said it was “routine” for Ronaldo and said he was expected to train.
“He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” Jesus said.
The manager also denied there was any kind of disagreement between the two, stating that he had been forced to “discuss an issue” with Ronaldo, which he did not believe was an issue. Jesus says Ronaldo had said he would do whatever the coach decided – whether playing or sitting in the bench.
