Ronaldo Refuses to Quit Portugal Despite Camp Walkout

(Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo by Nation News)

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not quitting international football, but he agrees he should be punished for walking out on Portugal after coach Jorge Jesus twice went back on his word.

The 41-year-old captain left the national team camp last week.

He had not played against Norway, and then learned he would not start against Denmark.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, has scored 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal.

Both are world records.

He helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.

In a long statement of nearly 2,000 words, Ronaldo said he must take responsibility for what he did.

He said the Portuguese Football Federation should look at the effects of his actions and punish him, and that the punishment should not be reduced.

He said he has already apologised but knows actions have consequences.

Still, he accused Jesus of a serious breach of trust.

He said the coach first promised to play him against Norway but did not.

Then the coach backed out of a plan to give the media an agreed version of events.

His statement came after Jesus said there was no quarrel with the captain, following claims that Ronaldo refused to train.

Jesus said on Sunday that the door is still open for Ronaldo to play for Portugal.

Ronaldo said that as long as he is fit, playing with his team and, hopefully, scoring goals, he wants to keep playing for his country.

He added that once his suspension ends, he will be ready, as always, to compete and win with the national team.