The international future of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is uncertain after the 41-year-old walked out of the national team squad. He left after learning that he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday.

Ronaldo announced late on Wednesday that he had departed the camp, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed he would again be left out of the starting line-up. In his absence, Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had already spent the entire previous match against Norway on the bench. He said he decided to leave after the coach’s press conference and a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president. Ronaldo added that he would later explain his reasons to the Portuguese people and wished the team and his teammates good luck.

Reports said Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport in an attempt to persuade him to stay, but the player boarded his private jet. Jesus had earlier insisted there was no rift, though he acknowledged Ronaldo was disappointed at remaining on the bench against Norway.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He recently indicated that this would probably be his last year in football. The situation has left his future with the national team in serious doubt.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper