Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca is confident the “misunderstanding” between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo will be resolved and hopes the veteran striker will return to the squad in November.
Ronaldo walked out on the team prior to last week’s Nations League game in Denmark following a row with Jesus that stemmed from the coach’s decision not to bring him off the bench against Norway the previous weekend.
The 41-year-old flew back from Copenhagen in his private jet just hours before the Denmark game and was not considered for last night’s return against the Norwegians in Porto, a game the hosts won 2-1 with Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring the deciding goal 11 minutes from time.
Ronaldo will return to action for club side Al-Nassr this Friday and it is hoped a resolution can be found prior to the November international break.
Proenca told RTP: “The FPF is not a house without rules but these dynamics happen within a working group.
“There is a very strong relationship between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo. If that were not the case, maybe Ronaldo would have already retired from the national team. Everything that will happen in the next few days are moments of tranquility, conversation, discussion and what we want is that in November he can be with our squad again.”
Ronaldo is our legend – Proenca
Proenca needs to tread a tricky line in not undermining Jesus but also attempting to smooth the waters for Ronaldo’s return.
“Ronaldo is the best player of all time,” added Proenca. “He has given more than two decades to Portuguese football. Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest symbol of Portugueseness. He is in the national team for his own sporting merit and this is absolutely unquestionable. He will always be part of this squad whenever he is technically capable. Cristiano knows that this is the feeling.
“On the specific subject, let me say that we are facing a misunderstanding that has to be resolved internally. He’s part of the squad, he’s our legend. He was the captain for the first of these four games. The coach says he counts on him.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese legend, an absolutely extraordinary player who could have ended his career after the World Cup but did not want to do it because of the love he has for his national team. I am a witness of this relationship that Cristiano has with the Portuguese people, with our team. Therefore, now that these four games are over, we will all have time and tranquility to sit down and solve a misunderstanding.
“Ronaldo is part of our heritage and will be here whenever the coach wants him to be.”
Jesus – I won’t apologise to Ronaldo
Jesus said he would be happy to see Ronaldo return but ruled out apologising for not bringing the former Real Madrid superstar off the bench.
“I don’t apologise to anyone,” he said. “The problem that started all of this was that the player was warming up. I made the decision [not to bring him on]. What do I have to apologise for?”
He added: “I don’t know what Cris will decide. I’ve already said what I have to say, but I’ll add, for me, at first it was never a situation. It was something I thought was normal as a coach. There are principles as a coach that are non-negotiable.
“For me Cris will be in the next squad if he is playing for Al-Nassr and he wants to return to the national team. You can’t change, in my opinion, a one-year friendship in a situation that you can’t understand. It was something he created himself, and maybe well because he’s a legend, this whole problem of coming on, warming up, not coming on… How many warmed up today and didn’t come on? Will there be any problem? No. With Cris it’s different, he’s a legend. But is it a problem? It’s not a problem for me. If Cris wants to and is playing for Al-Nassr he will be called up. But it’s Cris who will decide.”
Portugal’s next games are during the November international break when they host Denmark before taking on Wales in Cardiff.
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