Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp ahead of Denmark match

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's Nations League training camp before the team's match against Denmark, announcing the decision on Instagram.

He said he had taken the decision after the national team's press conference and a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. He would in due course tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led him to leave the national team, to which he had always dedicated himself, Ronaldo said, wishing Portugal and all his teammates good luck without exception.

Ronaldo started Portugal's opening 1-0 win over Wales and was taken off in the 67th minute. He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Norway.

Reports of a rift with head coach Jorge Jesus followed that game. Jesus had said before it that he planned to use the 41-year-old at some stage.

At a press conference, Jesus said he had already spoken to Ronaldo about his role during the international break and that Ronaldo would also not play against Denmark.

The Portugal captain trained away from his teammates on the two days before he left. Media reports said a "crisis" meeting was being held between Ronaldo, Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca to clear the air.

Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in men's international football with 146 goals and is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Portugal will be without him against Denmark and for the return fixture against Norway on Oct. 4. The team sit top of Group A4 with six points from six, a perfect start to Jesus's tenure.