Cristiano Ronaldo's old rival Leo Messi left Argentina less than a month ago with a nation applauding him. The Portugal legend has gone another way, and it was always going to be the case. The 41-year-old announced his international retirement after 23 years but also after a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus which was resolved with a sanction of 30 days, that had already been served, and a fine of 255 euros.
It was the punishment imposed on the Portuguese striker for leaving the team's training camp without permission. Jesus kept him on the bench for one match and said he did not plan to start him in the next, so Ronaldo went home. His last appearance came on 24 September against Wales.
He ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 games. A message went around Portugal with a big thank you for everything, calling Ronaldo a global ambassador and an inspiration to millions. Even so, the way it ended leaves a bit of a bitter taste.
Was he going to be named in the next squad? Possibly, as Jesus said the door was open and the decision was Ronaldo's. What is clear is that he was no longer an automatic starter, and Cristiano has never handled that well.
So is this another hissy fit? He reacted the way he always has when a coach questions his place. But the label hides how much he adapted over the years.
Such a pattern appears with almost every man who sat on the Portuguese bench - there were clashes, but also communion with managers and team-mates that help explain this ending. Ronaldo's most iconic moments as he retires from international football Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast When a young Ronaldo first joined the squad, he arrived at camp with his baseball cap on backwards, enormous sunglasses and headphones turned up so loud they could be heard from a distance. He would not take the cap off to eat among veterans like Luis Figo and Rui Costa.
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