Cristiano Ronaldo is not following Lionel Messi into international retirement just yet.
The Portugal superstar said he will remain available to play for his national team, despite having walked out on the squad during the current international window.
In a long statement issued through the Portuguese media Tuesday, Ronaldo said recently hired coach Jorge Jesus had not been true to his word about when he would play the striker in the latest round of Nations League matches.
Still, the 41-year-old Ronaldo said he owed fans and his teammates an apology and expects to receive a punishment.
“I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that," Ronaldo said.
He added: “Therefore, if I am physically fit, playing for my club, hopefully scoring goals, then after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.”
It's been a tumultuous international break for the 41-year-old, as he left the team's camp due to a falling-out with the coach over playing time when he was stuck as an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Nations League play on Sept. 27.
After the game, Jesus admitted he told Ronaldo he would play at least a few minutes against Norway, but changed his mind because of the game's circumstances. He said he's the one making the team choices and "no player will ever make a decision for me.”
He said it was a mistake to send Ronaldo to warm up for as long as he did, and then not use him against Norway. Jesus added that “any player” would be upset about that.
Ronaldo said he had agreed to a plan for managing his playing time and that he expected the coach to publicly clarify the situation and accept responsibility. He said Jesus did not follow through and instead spoke aggressively at a press conference, causing a breakdown of trust.
"Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it," Ronaldo said in a statement to Romano. "The responsibility is exclusively mine. I apologize to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one’s word has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point on, my remaining would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I did not feel useful: I packed my bags and left."
Portugal's UEFA Nations League run will resume on Nov. 14 against Denmark. The side closes out group-stage play on Nov. 17 against Wales.
“I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that," Ronaldo said.
