Portugal: ‘I Won’t Think Of That, Ever’ – Thierry Henry On Whether Ronaldo’s Career Has Ended

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has defended Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portugal captain’s unexpected departure from the national team camp.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training facility ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark after reportedly falling out with head coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old departed the camp after a press conference by Jesus and travelled to Madrid on his private jet. His decision came days after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.

Jesus had revealed that he promised Ronaldo 30 minutes as a substitute during the game but later failed to fulfil that commitment.

Speaking on Rothen s’enflamme, Henry was asked about Ronaldo’s situation and whether the incident could affect how his career is viewed.

“Judging an entire career on this? Never. When I think of Ronaldo, I won’t think of that, ever, ever!” Henry said via RMC Sport.

The former France international also stressed his admiration for Ronaldo and compared the respect he has for the Portuguese star with that of Lionel Messi. “I possess tremendous admiration for Ronaldo, just as I do for Messi, and for all the athletes who have sustained their excellence,” he said.

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Ronaldo has said he will eventually explain why he left the Portugal camp in a social media statement, with fans waiting for his account of what happened between him and Jesus.