Cristiano Ronaldo risks a heavy suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp in Denmark could truly be his farewell to the national team, after 234 appearances and 146 goals. After flying by private jet from Copenhagen to Madrid, CR7 now risks heavy disciplinary measures. According to the regulations of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), a player who leaves a training session or a match without justification can be suspended for one to six months, in addition to a fine.

The situation is fuelling speculation about Ronaldo’s future with the national side, especially after he himself recently hinted that this would “perhaps” be his last season. CR7 has promised to explain the reasons for his decision and has not yet officially announced his retirement from the national team. But leaving the squad on the eve of an official match could mark a point of no return in his relationship with the coach, and more.

According to Portuguese media, the rest of the team returned to the hotel last night without Jorge Jesus and Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. They followed the champion to the airport, trying to stop him from taking a potentially irreparable step. That is especially true after a World Cup in which his presence as a starter was an obstacle for a team that was quietly eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain, despite being considered one of the favourites.

Meanwhile, “his” number 7 shirt has already found a new wearer — former Milan player Leão, who will wear it in the Nations League match against Denmark, according to UEFA’s website. Marca summed up the event with a headline: “The king is dead…” The emotional drama caused by the striker’s revolt has reached such levels in the country that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro spoke personally with the coach on Wednesday evening, according to several local media. The shockwave caused by the earthquake is also hitting social media. The Portuguese national team’s official Instagram account has fallen below the 25 million follower mark, losing more than 400,000 followers in just a few hours, and it continues to fall.