The Portuguese Football Federation has slammed a €255 fine and a 30-day suspension on Christiano Ronaldo for leaving the national team during a dispute over his playing time two weeks ago.
The punishment was announced on Monday after the 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s squad ahead of its match against Denmark following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo became frustrated after being left on the bench against Norway, claiming Jesus had promised him playing time but failed to honour the agreement.
In a statement following his departure, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward accused the coach of breaking his word.
“To my absolute surprise, the coach asked me whether I was ready to play 30 minutes [against Norway],” Ronaldo said.
He explained that he had been concentrating on his physical recovery and had not expected to play in the match.
“This request was outside my physical recovery and training plan — because I was only supposed to play on Oct. 4 at the Dragão — but obviously I said yes. He told me to be prepared because I would play 30 minutes,” he said.
Ronaldo added that he warmed up at half-time but was not brought onto the pitch.
“The coach had broken his word to me,” he said.
Also Read: Ronaldo faces six-months Portugal ban after national team walk out
Ronaldo had earlier indicated that he would accept whatever punishment the Portuguese Football Federation imposed, while reaffirming his desire to continue representing his country.
Despite the suspension, he is expected to be available for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales in November, says the report.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has continued to express confidence in the national team captain, describing him as a key figure in Portuguese football.
“We are in the home of the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced: Cristiano Ronaldo, our captain,” Proença said.
“Our captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of our key pieces.”
Ronaldo, who has played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, is also the world’s highest-paid athlete, with Forbes estimating his earnings at $300 million over the previous year.
ESPN
