Ronaldo returned to the hotel without training; why is there so much discussion in the Portugal camp?

Did the trouble start on the bench? Or was there no major issue at all? Such questions are now circulating within the Portugal camp regarding Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo spent the entire duration of last Sunday's 2–1 UEFA Nations League victory over Norway on the bench. Seeing him remain sidelined for the full match while fully fit is a rarity in the last 18 years of his national team career. After the match, he did not join his teammates on the pitch to acknowledge the fans; instead, he headed straight to the dressing room. Speculation ensued following reports in the Portuguese media outlets *A Bola* and *O Jogo*.

Speculation arises after remaining sidelined

Before the match against Norway, coach Jorge Jesus had indicated that Ronaldo would not start two consecutive games, having played nearly 70 minutes against Wales. In the match itself, he fielded João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos in the attack.

However, Ronaldo was not brought onto the pitch during the game. Jesus later explained that, given the match situation, it was not possible to field him as originally planned. Ronaldo had been ready to play before the match but ended up spending the entire game on the bench.

From training session back to the hotel

Ahead of the match against Denmark, the Portugal squad went for a training session in Malmö, Sweden, on Tuesday. Ronaldo arrived at the Eleda Stadium before the others and spoke with coach Jesus. However, instead of joining the team training session, he left the stadium after a short while and returned to his hotel.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) stated that the matter was unrelated to any injury. The stadium gym lacked the specific equipment Ronaldo needed for his workout, so he returned to the hotel to train separately.

In short, there is no confirmed information linking Ronaldo's decision to skip the team training session to an injury. However, the incident has fueled further speculation, coming amidst the ongoing discussion sparked by his time on the bench against Norway and his failure to join teammates on the pitch after the match. Talks with Jesus: FPF President Heading to Copenhagen

Ronaldo was seen conversing with Jesus in Malmö. The Portuguese coach had previously stated he would speak with Ronaldo regarding his behavior following the match against Norway.

Amidst this, FPF President Pedro Proença has altered his scheduled itinerary and departed for Copenhagen. Portuguese media outlets and RTP report that he is set to discuss the situation with both Ronaldo and Jesus there.

However, the exact nature of the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus has not been officially confirmed. While various media reports mention dissatisfaction or misunderstandings, these remain unverified claims based on speculation.

Answers Likely in the Denmark Match

Regarding the decision not to field Ronaldo against Norway, Jesus explained that he had selected a different type of player based on the match's requirements. Now, ahead of Thursday's match against Denmark, the question arises: will Ronaldo return to the starting lineup, or will the attacking duo of João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos be retained?

Leading up to this match, Ronaldo's training, his relationship with Jesus, and his role on the pitch have all become focal points of discussion. For now, the only confirmed information is that there are no reports of a specific injury, and Ronaldo has been conducting individual training sessions at the hotel.