New details continue to emerge regarding the ongoing standoff involving star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who arbitrarily abandoned the Portugal national team training camp three weeks ago. Despite receiving an exceptionally lenient and virtually symbolic punishment from the national football authorities, the player is now reportedly refusing to return to the squad.

According to statements from CNN Portugal journalist Rui Santos, Ronaldo allegedly prefers not to be called up for the upcoming matches of the national team. Sources claim that the player is deeply disillusioned with the leadership of the Portuguese Football Federation, feeling that he was treated unfairly, betrayed, and firmly believing that the truth is entirely on his side. *- The public clash between the federation and the 41-year-old forward erupted in late September when he abruptly left the camp after being left on the bench during a match against Norway. Interestingly, the absence of the veteran did not negatively impact the team, as Portugal successfully secured four consecutive victories in the UEFA Nations League.

Following the incident, FPF leadership expressed a willingness to negotiate, but the official disciplinary measure announced on October 19 was widely mocked by the media as overly soft. Ronaldo was suspended for just 30 days, with the ban retroactively applied from the date of the infraction, rendering it completely meaningless. Additionally, the player was fined a mere 255 euros, a negligible sum compared to his astronomical earnings at Al-Nassr.

In a bizarre twist highlighted by the media, the federation's disciplinary documents revealed that Ronaldo purportedly asked for his past achievements to be considered as a mitigating factor and even submitted a copy of his football resume. The committee ultimately cited his contribution to the sport and alleged remorse in their lenient ruling.

Source: kun.uz