Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark after a public row with coach Jorge Jesus. Reports say Jesus indicated the 41-year-old would not start against Denmark in Thursday’s Nations League fixture. Ronaldo then confirmed on social media that he had decided to leave the squad, and Portuguese outlets reported he does not intend to play for the national team again under the current setup.

The timing is awkward. Portugal face Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday evening, then return to action against Norway on Sunday. Ronaldo has been the face of the Portugal side for two decades, and his absence removes their most experienced attacker just as the group reaches a decisive stage. Jesus has denied any deeper rift, but the walkout has already dominated the international break.

Portugal’s squad must now prepare without their record goalscorer. Denmark will see the situation as a chance to take control of the group. The story also lands while the Premier League is paused until 10 October, so clubs will be watching how the rest of the window plays out for their internationals.