After Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal National Team, it was revealed who will wear the legendary number 7

The number 7 jersey of the Portugal National Team became unexpectedly vacant and quickly found its new owner. After Cristiano Ronaldo left the team's training camp and left his future in suspense, Rafael Leão was designated to wear the number in the upcoming Nations League matches.

The decision was confirmed by UEFA and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), which had to assign the number for the official tournament call-up. Thus, the Galatasaray player, who previously wore number 17, will wear a jersey that has been closely associated with CR7 for years for the first time. His debut with the new shirt will take place in the matches of the Portuguese team against Denmark this Thursday in Copenhagen and against Norway on Sunday in Porto.

The exit of Ronaldo

Cristiano left the training camp after a strong confrontation behind closed doors with Jorge Jesus over the lack of minutes and the statements made by the coach in the last press conference ("In a team, I am in charge. No player will change my mind. Not him, nor anyone"). While he did not confirm his retirement from the national team, he publicly announced that he decided to leave the squad.

On his social media, Ronaldo explained: "After the press conference of the National Team coach, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team training camp".

Later, the Portuguese assured that he would provide more details about what happened and stated: "In due time, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself".

Finally, the all-time top scorer of the Portuguese national team concluded his message with a wish for his teammates: "Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception".