The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is reportedly preparing to meet with Cristiano Ronaldo next week in an attempt to resolve the dispute between the Portugal captain and head coach Jorge Jesus and prevent the disagreement from ending the forward’s international career.
The proposed meeting comes after Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen following tensions surrounding his role in the national team. According to reports citing Spanish newspaper Marca, federation officials want to reopen dialogue with the 41-year-old and find a solution that would allow him to continue representing Portugal.
The FPF is reportedly seeking Ronaldo’s agreement before the meeting takes place, with the aim of bringing the player, Jesus and federation officials closer together.
Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp
The situation escalated after Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.
Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during the match, despite warming up, and subsequently did not train with the rest of the squad. Jesus had explained that he had decided against bringing Ronaldo onto the pitch because of the circumstances of the game.
The relationship between the two became increasingly tense ahead of Portugal's following match against Denmark.
Jesus subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark. Shortly afterwards, Ronaldo left the team's training camp.
The FPF confirmed his departure and said the remaining players would continue preparations for the team's upcoming fixtures.
Ronaldo later explained that he had spoken with FPF president Pedro Proença before deciding to leave the camp.
He said he would eventually explain the reasons behind his decision.
Ronaldo Has Not Retired
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football.
His departure from the current training camp therefore does not mean that he has ended his Portugal career.
In fact, reports of the planned meeting indicate that the Portuguese federation wants to prevent the dispute from developing into a permanent split.
Ronaldo has previously indicated that he still believes he can contribute to the national team.
Before the current international break, he said he had discussed his future with the federation president and the coach and believed he could still help Portugal achieve its objectives.
Federation Wants to Repair Relationship
According to the reports, the FPF believes Ronaldo deserves a respectful conclusion to his international career because of his contribution to Portuguese football.
The proposed meeting is therefore intended to address the current disagreement and determine whether the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus can be repaired.
Another recent report said Jesus has agreed to another meeting with Ronaldo, with the FPF acting as an intermediary. The federation is awaiting Ronaldo's response to the proposal.
The timing is significant because Portugal's next international commitments will require decisions about Ronaldo's role in the team.
Ronaldo and Jesus Previously Worked Together
The current dispute is particularly notable because Ronaldo and Jesus already have a working relationship from their time together at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Jesus coached Ronaldo at the club and helped lead Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title.
Jesus also previously described Ronaldo as an important figure for Portugal, regardless of whether he starts a particular match.
The disagreement therefore appears to have developed primarily around Ronaldo's current role and playing time rather than an established long-term breakdown between the two.
Portugal Won Without Ronaldo
Portugal subsequently defeated Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League without Ronaldo.
The result allowed the team to maintain its position at the top of Group A4, while the discussion surrounding Ronaldo's future continued away from the pitch.
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has also rejected suggestions that the squad is divided following Ronaldo's departure.
Fernandes said Ronaldo remains an irreplaceable figure in Portuguese football and called for unity within the national team.
Ronaldo's International Future Remains Uncertain
Ronaldo remains Portugal's record men's international goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals and 234 appearances for his country.
At 41, his international future was already a subject of discussion before the latest dispute.
However, the current situation has increased attention on whether he will remain involved with Portugal through the next stage of his career.
For now, there is no official announcement of retirement.
The reported meeting next week could provide an opportunity for Ronaldo and the Portuguese football authorities to settle their differences and establish what comes next.
If an agreement is reached, Ronaldo could continue his Portugal career under Jesus. If the disagreement remains unresolved, however, questions over his future with the national team are likely to continue.
