Rafael Leao takes Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt after Portugal exit
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineRafael Leao will wear Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt for the first time following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp amid reported tensions between the veteran forward and head coach Jorge Jesus.
The change was confirmed after UEFA released Portugal’s squad list for the team’s upcoming match against Denmark in Copenhagen, with Leao named as the new occupant of the shirt long associated with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s departure came after days of speculation over his relationship with Jesus, with the 41-year-old reportedly unhappy with his reduced role under the coach.
The tension became more noticeable during Portugal’s recent matches, as Ronaldo spent time on the bench despite being the team’s captain and record goalscorer.
Portugal’s victory over Norway on Wednesday further highlighted the situation, with Ronaldo remaining among the substitutes throughout the match.
He later announced his decision to leave the national team camp, saying the move followed a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
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Ronaldo said in a statement shared on Instagram: “After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp.”
He added: “In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.”
Ronaldo’s departure has now opened the door for Leao to take over the No. 7 shirt, which has been strongly associated with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward throughout much of his international career.
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