Ronaldo back in spotlight as Portugal prepare for Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo has again found himself in the spotlight in Malmö after reportedly leaving Portugal’s training session early at Eleda Stadion ahead of their upcoming match against Denmark.

According to Portuguese media reports, the 41-year-old forward left the stadium in a van and returned to the team hotel, the Radisson Blu, where he continued his individual training in the gym. Reports said the gym at Eleda Stadion did not have the equipment required for Ronaldo’s training programme.

However, Malmö FF, which operates Eleda Stadion, rejected suggestions that Ronaldo or the Portugal team had expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities.

Pierre Nordberg, an event manager at Malmö FF, said the feedback from the Portuguese delegation had been positive. He said club staff had checked with the team before their departure and were told that everything was fine.

The incident comes after Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo. It was reportedly the first time since 2008 that he had been selected for a Portugal match but did not play.

Portuguese media have also reported tensions between Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus. Jesus said he had initially planned to bring Ronaldo on in the second half against Norway but changed his decision during the match.

The reports prompted Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença to travel to Scandinavia. A meeting involving Ronaldo and Jesus was reportedly held on Tuesday evening, with Portuguese media reporting that the issues had been resolved.

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Ronaldo was subsequently reported to be in line to start Portugal’s next match against Denmark.

Portugal trained in Malmö before travelling to Copenhagen. Nordberg said the team’s departure from Malmö on Wednesday had always been planned, in line with UEFA requirements that teams arrive in the country where their match is being played no later than the day before the fixture.

Portugal will face Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday at 8:45pm local time.