Portugal is set to host Norway at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto for their UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture, but the clash has been entirely overshadowed by internal disruption. The reigning tournament holders must navigate Sunday's match without Cristiano Ronaldo after the 41-year-old superstar abruptly abandoned the squad's camp, casting severe doubt over his international career.

The veteran striker's dramatic departure came shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed during a press briefing that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would once again be relegated to the substitute bench. Ronaldo, who holds the national record with 146 goals, reportedly refused to take part in training in Copenhagen and boarded a private jet, subsequently issuing a cryptic statement promising that "in due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving."

According to reports in the European sports press, including Spanish daily Marca, coach Jesus and Portuguese federation president Pedro Proenca pursued Ronaldo to Copenhagen Airport in a desperate bid to convince him to remain with the squad, but were unable to stop him from departing. While the 72-year-old manager downplayed rumors of an irreconcilable rift, the incident highlights deepening tensions within the European side's dressing room.

Despite the ongoing drama surrounding their former talisman, Portugal currently tops Group A4 with a flawless nine points from three matches, thanks to the attacking contributions of Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's Norway sits near the bottom of the table with only three points, eager to exploit any psychological vulnerability in the Portuguese ranks following their recent back-to-back defeats.

Source: www.aljazeera.com