Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has reportedly intervened after Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure from the national team's training camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday, September 30, just one day before the team's UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark. The 41-year-old made the decision after a press conference held by head coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca.
The situation has now reached the highest levels of Portuguese football, with Montenegro reportedly seeking answers about what happened between Ronaldo and Jesus.
Luís Montenegro Contacts Jorge Jesus After Ronaldo's Departure
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro contacted FPF president Pedro Proenca and asked to speak with Jorge Jesus following Ronaldo's exit.
Montenegro reportedly wants to hear Jesus' account of the events, with the prime minister said to have a good relationship with the Portugal head coach. Goal, citing Record, reported that the request came after Ronaldo's departure from the team's Copenhagen camp.
SIC has gone further, reporting that Montenegro also spoke directly with Ronaldo following the incident. That detail has not been independently confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation in the reports reviewed.
Ronaldo's departure came shortly after Jesus had insisted that there was no major issue between the pair. The coach had told reporters that Ronaldo would train with the squad, but the Portugal captain subsequently left Parken Stadium without taking part in the session.
The FPF later confirmed Ronaldo's departure, saying preparations for the matches against Denmark and Norway would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Why Did Cristiano Ronaldo Leave Portugal?
The episode came after Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, in which Ronaldo remained on the bench despite warming up.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy after not being introduced. The coach said he had originally discussed using Ronaldo during the match but ultimately decided against making the substitution.
Ronaldo then trained separately from the squad on Monday and Tuesday before arriving at Parken Stadium on Wednesday. Despite Jesus saying he would train, Ronaldo did not join his teammates on the pitch and later left the stadium.
Ronaldo confirmed his departure himself on Instagram, saying that he had decided to leave the camp following Jesus' press conference and his conversation with Proença. He added that he would explain the reasons for his decision "in due course."