Cristiano Ronaldo says he must be PUNISHED for Portugal walkout and issues two apologies

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that he should be punished for his Portugal walkout, having issued a grovelling apology to fans and team-mates. The veteran forward turned his back on the national team last week after perceived broken promises by boss Jorge Jesus over his playing time.

Ronaldo explained his perspective on things with a lengthy statement on Tuesday night. And within it, he issued an apology to supporters of the country for not acknowledging fans following a clash with Norway.

Instead, he walked straight down the tunnel. But Ronaldo has now claimed he was in the wrong. Ronaldo said: “At the end of the match I only wanted everything to finish with the victory and to be alone. I did not go to greet the fans.

"A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened. I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed."

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has also apologised to his Portuguese teammates - and suggested that his action of walking out should see him met with consequences.

Ronaldo's statement added: "I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp. Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it.

"The responsibility is exclusively mine. I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one’s word has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point on, my remaining would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I did not feel useful: I packed my bags and left.

"The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.

"I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences. Anyone who is in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.