Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has no plans to retire from international football and will remain available to represent Portugal.
The Portugal captain issued a detailed statement explaining his recent fallout with the national team coach and his decision to leave the team’s last camp.
“As promised, I want to explain directly what happened at the last national team camp.”
Ronaldo said the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president had previously asked him to reconsider his decision to leave the national team after the World Cup.
“After the World Cup, the FPF President insisted I reconsider leaving and asked my opinion on the current coach. I said he would be the right choice.”
According to Ronaldo, the coach later assured him that he was an important part of his plans.
“In August, the coach told me I was fundamental to his project: I’d play the first and last games. He suggested I skip the away trips, but I refused: a captain doesn’t stay home. Simão Coutinho witnessed it.”
Ronaldo also explained what happened during the match against Norway.
“On the day of the Norway game, he asked if I was ready to play 30 minutes. It wasn’t in the plan, but I said yes. I warmed up from half-time and was never called upon. He had broken his word.”
He apologised for not greeting the supporters after the match.
“Not greeting the fans afterwards was my fault, and I apologise.”
Ronaldo said he later reached an agreement with the coach on how the incident would be explained publicly, but claimed that agreement was not respected.
“48 hours later, with Coutinho present, we agreed he would tell the truth in the press room: the plan was his, I never asked for minutes, and making me warm up without playing was a mistake.”
He added: “He asked me for a hug and promised. I approved a short document with those notes.”
Ronaldo said he had also directly asked both the FPF president and the coach whether they still wanted him in the team.
“That morning I had told the President and the coach: if you don’t want me, just tell me. Both said no.”
However, he claimed the subsequent press conference was different from what had been agreed.
“The press conference had nothing to do with what we agreed. I heard an aggression I did not deserve. It was the second time he broke his word.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he has never interfered with a coach’s technical decisions during his nearly 25-year international career.
“In almost 25 years I have never interfered in a technical decision. But when my word is broken, my place is not there.”
Ronaldo also accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologised to his teammates.
“I apologise to my teammates for leaving. The responsibility is mine alone. The FPF should punish me with no mitigating circumstances; as captain, that’s an aggravating factor.”
Addressing speculation about a possible farewell match, Ronaldo made it clear that he is not interested in simply being celebrated.
“There are talks of farewell games. But I learned, when I was hungry, that nobody gives anything to anyone. The national team, for me, means competing.”
He added: “When my father died, I stayed until the next match was over. I did that for my country.”
Ronaldo concluded by confirming that he will continue to make himself available for Portugal.
“If I’m fit, after my suspension, I’ll be available, as always, to compete and win for Portugal.”
“This is the absolute truth.”
