Portugal’s Football Federation (FPF) has stepped in to settle the dust between captain Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus, following the controversy the former has been embroiled in.
Portugal came into the international window with Ronaldo in Jesus’ plans. However, there was a rift after Sunday’s Nations League win over Norway, when the 41-year-old forward was called up to the bench but not used.
Ronaldo then went straight to the dressing room after the final whistle instead of joining his teammates in thanking the traveling Portuguese supporters. He did not train with the rest of the squad two days later in Malmö. He was reported to have worked alone at the team hotel in Portugal.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Proença has altered his plans and headed to Copenhagen for talks with Ronaldo and Jesus ahead of Portugal’s Nations League clash with Denmark on Thursday. The federation president’s move was meant to help resolve the situation.
The Situation Centers On Ronaldo’s Role
Jesus has said that Ronaldo’s absence from the squad against Norway was a tactical decision. He said he had thought about bringing him on for the last 45 minutes but decided against it after Gonçalo Ramos impressed.
Jesus had already told Ronaldo that he was still in his plans. Ronaldo had made it clear that he was still interested in continuing his career with Portugal and reaching the 1,000-goal mark.
There has been a development. Ronaldo and Jesus spoke again before Proença arrived, and they had reached an understanding, implying that the disagreement may have cooled.
Additionally, Portuguese legend Luis Figo also spoke about the Cristiano Ronaldo situation.
The Denmark game may give a clue as to how the situation has been dealt with. Jesus has already said Ronaldo can play against Denmark, and Portugal will be looking to get their attention back, defending their Nations League title.
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