Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp following manager Jorge Jesus’ comments about leaving him on the bench for their 2-1 win over Norway.

The 41-year-old wrote on his Instagram on Wednesday night: “Following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp. 

“In due course, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated. 

“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”

The Al-Nassr player is set to board his private jet to Madrid in the next few hours after the fallout, despite Jesus insisting only a few hours ago that “there was never a problem between the pair”.

Ronaldo’s international future is now said to be in serious doubt, with the forward near certain not to feature in Portugal’s remaining two Nations League games against Denmark and Norway.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star was an unused substitute in Portugal’s win in Oslo on Sunday, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos on the scoresheet in the victory.

He started in the Selecao’s 1-0 win over Wales last week but was substituted in the 67th minute.

Ronaldo has 234 caps and is their record goalscorer with 143 goals, winning the Euros and the Nations League during his time with his national team.

The Al-Nassr veteran was expected to depart after the World Cup in the summer, which he scored three goals at as Portugal exited in the round of 16.

Portugal manager Jesus: ‘I’m in charge of who plays’

While Jesus played down in any issue between the pair in his pre-match press conference for the Denmark game, he made it clear that he would be in charge of the decisions, and that reputations will not affect his tactical choices.

“I can promise whatever I want. I’m the coach. I’m the coach, I told the player he wasn’t going to play,” Jesus said.

I’ll put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you’ll play; if not, you won’t. No player will make me change my mind.

“Not him, not anyone in football. Not any president. Never, absolutely no one.”

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal camp: How it all unfolded

What began with Cristiano Ronaldo being left on the bench against Norway quickly developed into a major story around the Portugal camp.

Here is how the situation unfolded.

A few days ago — Ronaldo starts on the bench against Norway

The controversy began in Oslo during Portugal’s Nations League clash with Norway.

Cristiano Ronaldo was surprisingly named among the substitutes, with Jorge Jesus opting to start João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos in attack.

The decision appeared to pay off on the pitch. Both Félix and Ramos scored as Portugal secured a 2-1 victory.

However, the focus soon shifted from the result to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo does not come on

Despite warming up during the second half, Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire match and did not make an appearance.

It was an unusual sight for Portugal’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo heads straight to the dressing room

Following the final whistle, Ronaldo reportedly went straight to the dressing room rather than joining the celebrations with his teammates.

The incident immediately fuelled speculation about his reaction to being left out.

The following day – Ronaldo misses training

The situation escalated when Ronaldo did not join the other substitutes for training the following day.

Jorge Jesus subsequently sought to play down the situation, describing Ronaldo’s absence as something “normal” for the Madeira-born forward.

Pedro Proença changes his plans

The biggest indication that the situation was being taken seriously came when Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença changed his plans and travelled to Copenhagen.

His purpose was to meet with both Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus.

Wednesday morning – Ronaldo, Jesus and Proenca meet

The meeting took place in Copenhagen on Wednesday morning, bringing together Portugal’s captain, his head coach and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.

The development intensified speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s position within the national team.

Jorge Jesus insists there is no problem

Despite the growing attention surrounding the situation, Jorge Jesus maintained that there was no problem involving Ronaldo.

The coach knows Ronaldo well, having previously worked with him at Al Nassr, where the pair won the Saudi league.

The situation escalates

What had initially been a surprise decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench against Norway had, within a matter of days, developed into a significant issue surrounding the Portugal camp.

Ronaldo’s omission from the starting XI, his failure to make an appearance, his subsequent absence from training and the intervention of federation president Pedro Proença all contributed to the growing uncertainty.

At this stage, the events described above establish a clear sequence of developments – but they do not, on their own, establish the precise terms or circumstances of any permanent departure from Portugal.