Rafael Leão Wears the Number 7 Jersey for Portugal After Ronaldo's Departure
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Union of European Football Associations "UEFA" confirmed that Rafael Leão will wear the number 7 jersey for the Portuguese national team during the next two matches, following the departure of team captain Cristiano Ronaldo from the team camp.
The decision comes hours after Ronaldo officially left the national team camp, following the press conference of coach Jorge Jesus, and after a conversation he had with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation Pedro Proença.
The crisis began during the match against Norway, after Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire game despite participating in warm-ups, before Jesus confirmed that the player was angry about not participating in the match.
Following this, Ronaldo missed the collective training sessions for the next two days, amidst escalating controversy surrounding his relationship with the new coach, before the events concluded with his departure from the national team camp.
Ronaldo had started the international break by playing as a starter against Wales, before leaving the field during the second half, then surprisingly missed the match against Norway despite warming up, leading to a rapid escalation of events thereafter.
The Portuguese national team is preparing to continue its journey in the UEFA Nations League, where they will face Denmark today, Thursday, in the third round, before meeting Norway on Sunday in the fourth round, with Rafael Leão appearing in the number 7 jersey during both encounters.