Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has agreed to participate in an urgent meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo. The objective of the meeting is to resolve their disagreement and prevent a premature end to Ronaldo's international career. According to Portuguese publication A Bola, Jesus has accepted the mediation initiative proposed by the Portuguese Football Federation, FPF.
The meeting became necessary following Ronaldo's withdrawal from Portugal's training facility in Copenhagen on Wednesday. This occurred after a conversation with FPF president Pedro Proença. Ronaldo subsequently indicated that he would disclose the circumstances surrounding his departure "at an appropriate moment." He has refrained from making any formal public declaration regarding his retirement from international competition.
A Bola described the latest federation action as an endeavor to facilitate reconciliation between the two parties. This aims to prevent what could potentially signify the end of the 41-year-old's distinguished international career. Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, had previously engaged in discussions with both Ronaldo and Jesus on Wednesday morning at Portugal's accommodation in Malmö.
The disagreement originated following Ronaldo's status as an unused substitute during Portugal's 2-1 victory against Norway on September 27. Despite participating in warm-up activities during the second half, Ronaldo was not used. Jesus acknowledged that the captain expressed dissatisfaction but initially minimized assertions of a significant conflict.
Ronaldo was absent from the roster when Portugal achieved a 4-2 triumph over Denmark on Thursday. João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, and João Félix provided the scoring contributions for Jesus' squad. Jesus subsequently characterized the Ronaldo matter as "a resolved matter" for the present period, indicating that his primary concentration was directed toward Portugal.
According to Reuters, Jesus and Proença undertook a final effort to dissuade Ronaldo from departing, though the forward proceeded on a chartered aircraft. The Portuguese Football Federation representatives are currently awaiting confirmation from Ronaldo regarding his willingness to participate in these discussions.
The meeting between Jesus and Ronaldo aims to bring an end to the rift between the two. Key to this is preventing a premature end to Ronaldo's international career. The outcome of the meeting is yet to be determined, with confirmation from Ronaldo still pending.
Key points
- Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus agrees to meet with Cristiano Ronaldo.
- The meeting aims to resolve the disagreement between Jesus and Ronaldo.
- The rift began after Ronaldo was not used in Portugal's 2-1 victory against Norway.
