[popcorn number=”234″ desc=”No. of matches Cristiano Ronaldo has played for Portugal; the most international matches by any player” class=”Default”]
[popcorn number=”146″ desc=”No. of goals Cristiano Ronaldo has scored for Portugal; no one has scored more international goals” class=”Default”]
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Saturday that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the 41-year-old captain over his decision to walk out on the national team.
Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier this week while criticising Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and said he would accept any punishment that was imposed on him.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the federation in a statement, classifying the case as “urgent” and confirming Ronaldo is currently suspended pending a decision on the final punishment.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s squad after finding out he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark on October 1, which they subsequently won 4-2. He was previously an unused substitute in their 2-1 win over Norway on September 27.
Following his walk-out, on Tuesday, Ronaldo accused Portugal coach Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time during the Nations League matches, but said he was not retiring from international duty and would be available to play once any potential punishment was served.
“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said, while accepting his actions must be “punished” by the federation.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker with 146 goals in 234 games.
Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday with Al-Nassr and scored as they won 3-0 against Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.
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