Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a detailed statement addressing the events that led to his departure from the National Team after the 2026 World Cup. In the letter, the player recounts conversations with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and the new national coach.
Ronaldo mentions that after the World Cup, he was asked to reconsider his decision to leave the team, as the FPF wished for his continued participation. He also discussed the selection of the new coach, expressing his positive opinion on the chosen candidate, whom he considered the right choice.
The player further describes meetings with the coach, where he was presented with a participation plan that included playing the first and last matches, with managed playing time. Ronaldo rejected the proposal of not traveling for games in Norway and Denmark, deeming it a poor example. Simão Coutinho, Al Nassr's sporting director, was present during this conversation.
The statement continues by recounting a conversation the day before the training camp began, where the previously agreed principles were maintained. Ronaldo played the match in Alvalade but expresses surprise at being asked by the coach in Norway if he was fit to play for only 30 minutes, when his recovery plan was focused on the match at the Dragão stadium. He was ultimately not called upon to play, despite warming up since halftime.
