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Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's national team camp in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, on Wednesday, hours after head coach Jorge Jesus said the veteran forward would not start Thursday's UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo confirmed his departure in a social media post after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proenca. The federation also confirmed the exit in a statement.
"Following the national team coach's news conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team's training camp," said the 41-year-old.
"In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated," he added, wishing his teammates luck.
Jesus said Ronaldo would again start on the bench against Denmark, with Goncalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.
"If I need him, he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't," said Jesus, denying there was a rift between the pair.
Jesus acknowledged Ronaldo had been disappointed after warming up but remaining on the bench against Norway, while insisting selection decisions were his responsibility.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, the first competitive international in more than 18 years in which he was available but did not play.
He subsequently missed team training sessions and did not join Wednesday's session in Copenhagen despite arriving at the stadium with the squad.
Portugal lead Group A4 with six points from two matches, three points ahead of Denmark and Norway.
Ronaldo started Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales in the opening Nations League match last week and was substituted in the 67th minute.
Portugal plays Denmark on Oct. 1 and Norway on Oct. 4.
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