Cristiano Ronaldo Faces a Major Suspension: An Absurd Incident at the Airport. Portugal Is Split Down the Middle

Cristiano Ronaldo has divided Portugal: CR7’s walkout from the Portuguese national team’s training camp—after spending 90 minutes on the bench against Norway—and head coach Jorge Jesus’s subsequent comments have split public opinion in the Iberian country. Many believe the 41-year-old forward must finally resign himself to a supporting role, but many die-hard fans remain on his side.

Ronaldo now risks not only a hefty fine but also a one- to six-month suspension from the national team. As reported by A Bola, “a player who, having been duly called up, leaves or fails to show up without justification for a training session, a match, or an activity of the national teams or related to the sporting representation of the FPF or Portugal, is sanctioned with a suspension of one to six months.”

Meanwhile, incredible behind-the-scenes details are emerging about CR7’s “escape,” as he fled Denmark in his private jet, which had flown in specifically from Madrid. Head coach Jorge Jesus and president Pedro Proença tried to stop Cristiano Ronaldo by rushing to the airport just as he was about to leave, but CR7 pressed on. His national team career may have come to an inglorious end here after 23 years, 234 matches, and 146 goals in the red-and-green jersey. Ronaldo has won one European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal.

“Following the national team coach’s press conference and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the team’s training camp. In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the reasons that led me to leave the team to which I have always been dedicated. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, good luck,” the player wrote on Instagram.