Portugal begin life without Cristiano Ronaldo when they take on Denmark in the Nations League on Thursday, after the forward left the squad this week following a fall out with coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp
Ronaldo’s departure seemingly brought an end to his storied international career. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, who has scored 146 goals in 234 caps for his country, was left out of the 2-1 win over Norway.
He failed to train on Monday and Tuesday, which prompted showdown talks with Jesus and Portugal Football Association (FPF) president Pedro Proença. Before leaving Copenhagen on his private jet, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp.
“In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates good luck, without exception.”
Denmark and Portugal team news
Denmark lost Patrick Dorgu from their squad after he suffered a hamstring injury. Rasmus Hojlund leads the line in attack.
Denmark: Hermansen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard, Mæhle; Højbjerg, Hjulmand; Daghim, Damsgaard, Daramy; Højlund.
Portugal welcome back Bruno Fernandes after he missed the Norway game, and Nuno Mendes starts at left back. Former Milan winger Rafael Leao takes Ronaldo’s number seven shirt in a strong looking attack, while Manchester City defender Ruben Dias captains the side.
Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s iconic No.7 shirt for their final two Nations League games following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; R. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Ramos, Leão.
Denmark v Portugal kicks off at 7:45pm UK time on Thursday. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for the pay-per-view price of £2.49.
Portugal will take the field without Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes back and Rafael Leao in the number seven shirt. Denmark, meanwhile, go into the Nations League match without Patrick Dorgu after his hamstring injury.