Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he remains committed to representing Portugal and believes he should face disciplinary action for leaving the national team during their recent camp.
The 41-year-old forward departed the Portugal squad after being left on the bench for their 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on 27 September.
Ronaldo subsequently missed Portugal’s next two matches, wins against Denmark and Norway, leaving the team at the top of Group A4 with four victories from four games.
The Al Nassr striker is Portugal’s record goalscorer, having netted 146 times in 234 international appearances.
Speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 home win over Norway, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo could return to the national side if he wanted to.
Ronaldo responded in a lengthy statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday night, claiming that Jesus had failed to honour an agreement that he would feature for 30 minutes against Norway.
The forward expressed his disappointment over the situation and apologised to his team-mates and supporters before making clear that he intends to continue playing for Portugal.
“The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” Ronaldo said.
“I believe the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player. I am a team captain and that is an aggravating factor.”
Ronaldo said he had already apologised but accepted that his actions should have consequences, insisting that the same rules should apply to every player regardless of their status.
He also addressed suggestions that the time had come for him to receive a farewell from international football.
“I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all the Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that,” he said.
However, Ronaldo stressed that his immediate focus remains on competing for Portugal rather than planning his retirement from international football.
He recalled remaining with the national team following the death of his father, saying that he had chosen to stay until after Portugal’s next match despite the personal circumstances.
“So, if I am physically well, playing for my club, hopefully with goals, after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our National Team,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are scheduled for November, when they are due to face Denmark and Wales.
