UPDATE

Ronaldo loses No. 7 shirt as Leão takes over after Portugal camp walkout

By SOJWORLDnews Sports Desk

Portugal have given Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous No. 7 shirt to Rafael Leão, just a day after the 41-year-old left the national team camp in Copenhagen.

UEFA’s official squad list for tonight’s Nations League game against Denmark shows Leão in the No. 7 shirt. Fábio Silva takes Leão’s old No. 17. Ronaldo had worn the number for Portugal since 2007/08.

The move comes after Ronaldo left camp on Wednesday following a row with coach Jorge Jesus. He had stayed on the bench for the whole 2-1 win over Norway.

“In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave.”Ronaldo’s statement on social media

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed he had left and said the other 24 players are preparing as planned. Its statement did not mention retirement. Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports that he has decided never to play for Portugal again, but Ronaldo himself has not confirmed this.

Unlike Argentina, which kept Messi’s No. 10 free until his farewell match, Portugal handed over the No. 7 straight away. Some commentators see it as a message from the federation that the team will not lean on one player.

Unconfirmed: reports say Ronaldo could face a six-month suspension for leaving camp without permission. The FPF has not announced any action.