Why Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left the Portugal national team

While Cristiano Ronaldo made it known that the summer's World Cup would be his last, the 41-year-old remained open to remaining with the Portugal national team for the time being. That door now might be officially closed for the soccer legend.

Newly hired Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus named Ronaldo to his UEFA Nations League roster in the September and October international window, so there was willingness to involve the superstar in the cycle. Ronaldo started but was ineffective in the opening 1-0 win against Wales. He was an unused substitute in Portugal's next match, a 2-1 win over Erling Haaland's Norway.