🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo:
"I decided to leave the camp without waiting for another broken promise. For me, the truth is still the most important thing in human relationships. As much as it hurts, let them tell me the truth.
In fact, in a conversation I had with the president of the FPF and the coach on the morning of that press conference - they can certainly confirm this - I confirmed again that if they didn't want me there, they should tell me. That was enough for them to be open with me. I would accept that and promised we would prepare something nice, as I dream will happen, and no one would remain angry.
I remember it as if it were today. They replied unanimously that no. That my place was in the national team. Never, at any moment, did I interfere in any technical or tactical decision of any coach or national team manager throughout my nearly 25-year career.
I accept, for better or worse, what they offer me to do. I respect the decision, and when they break their word to me, I feel my place is not there.
I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for leaving the camp.
Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach's word, as those who witnessed these conversations can testify, I shouldn't have done that. The responsibility is mine alone.
I apologize again to the Portuguese people, but flash: a single word has, for me, a decisive impact. I felt that from that point on, staying would only harm the working group, and I did what I always said I would do if I didn't feel useful: I packed my bags and left. The consequence of this action of mine must be evaluated and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand there are no mitigating factors for the punishment. I'm not just a player; I'm the team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.
I have already apologized, but I know that stances must have consequences. Anyone in football like me knows that regardless of anyone's status, the rules are the same for everyone.
On this subject, I've heard a lot of talk about farewell matches, that I deserve a respectable farewell and that the federation wants to give me that opportunity.
I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone.
I can assure all my fans, naturally and above all all the Portuguese, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that. But when I think about the national team, what I really think about is competing. That's what I thought the day I received the news of my father's death.
I was in camp with our national team and decided to stay there until the end of the game the next day. I did for the country what I will never do for any club.
Therefore, if I am physically fit, playing for my club, with goals I hope, after serving the suspension that may apply to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.
These are, believe me, the purest truths.
Cristiano Ronaldo".