Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterCristiano Ronaldo appears to have quit international football, following an apparent spat with new manager Jorge Jesus.Ronaldo took to his Instagram account last night to post a statement to his 679 million followers, explaining, After the press conference of the National Team coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp.In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, which I always dedicated myself to. Now it's time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception.Jorge Jesus reneges on his promise to Cristiano Ronaldo - and makes him warm up without bringing him onAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo's ire has come from the fact that Jesus changed his mind about his selection plans during the international break.The 72-year-old apparently agreed that Ronaldo would only play in the first and fourth fixtures for Portugal this month only to U-turn in the second game against Norway and ask a benched Ronaldo to warm up in the second half with the score at 1-1. You may like Cristiano Ronaldo international career is not over, says new Portugal boss I leave with a clear conscience. Ive done everything I could. Portugal had never won a cup before me Cristiano Ronaldo teases retirement after World Cup exit 'I have my future all mapped out' Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans When the Portuguese regained the lead, however, Jesus decided not to bring Ronaldo on after all, with the five-time Champions League winner leaving the stadium in a rage over what he perceived to be a snub.The Al-Nassr forward opted to train alone ahead of the clash with Denmark, with Jesus telling his press conference, There was no incident whatsoever: as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Apparently, Ronaldo was unimpressed by Jesus's comments, leaving for his private jet: Marca notes that Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca chased the 41-year-old to the airport, but couldn't convince him to return.In Portugal, it is believed Ronaldo has retired from international duty, though he hasn't confirmed it.Jesus and Ronaldo worked with one another at Al-Nassr during the 2025/26 season, winning the Saudi Pro League title.With Roberto Martinez leaving his role as Lusos head coach after elimination at the hands of eventual winners Spain at World Cup 2026, Jesus took the national team job and was seen as a pick to appease an ageing Ronaldo.Debate has raged over Portugal's all-time caps holder and record scorer should step down from playing for his country, given that he is a shadow of the footballer he was at his peak.Ronaldo has scored a world record 146 goals in 234 games for his country.TOPICSViktor GyokeresArsenalTransfer newsMark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge both past and present Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
