Cristiano Ronaldo in the Eye of the Storm—Even the Fans Are Rebelling

The issue surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo is making headlines around the world after he decided on Wednesday to leave the Portuguese national team’s training camp in protest. CR7, who sat on the bench for 90 minutes during the match against Denmark, was thoroughly unhappy with head coach Jorge Jesus’s remarks and walked out.

Just a few hours earlier, the Portuguese head coach had stated: “I’m the coach; I told the player he wouldn’t play. I’m putting you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you’ll play; otherwise, you won’t. No player will ever make me change my mind—not him, nor anyone else in the world of soccer, nor any president. Never, not a chance.” Federation president Proença attempted to mediate between the player and the coach, but it was to no avail.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior has been criticized by many, and A Bola launched a poll on its website asking users who bears the most blame in the incident. There were three possible choices: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus, and Proença. The result was clear-cut: 77.4% of readers pointed the finger at CR7.

In recent hours, the star’s sister, Elma Aveiro, also weighed in with a social media post: “CR7 deserved more respect. The national team deserved better organization. The Portuguese media deserved more professionalism and less speculation. As for the Portuguese people, well… they don’t deserve the best in anything.”

The Al Nassr star broke his silence with an Instagram post: “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 explain to 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 good luck, without exception.”