Portugal have reaffirmed their support for Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the national team, with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença describing the veteran forward as an enduring symbol of the country’s football identity.
Proença said Ronaldo remains an important member of the national team whenever he is fit and available, while insisting that his selection continues to be justified by his performances.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity,” Proença said.
“His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready.”
The federation chief’s comments come amid reports of a disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, but Proença played down the situation, describing it as a misunderstanding that should be resolved internally.
“What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally,” he said.
readmore: Sporting Lagos coach faces NPFL panel over referee comments
Proença also pointed to Ronaldo’s continuing connection with the national team, noting that the 41-year-old forward captained Portugal in the first of their four matches during the recent international window.
“Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches,” Proença said.
Jesus has also left the door open for Ronaldo to return, making it clear that the final decision rests with the player.
“For me, everything is open. Cris has to decide what he wants to do with his own life,” Jesus said.
The Portugal coach similarly described the situation as a misunderstanding and insisted there were no lingering bad feelings between them.
“It was a misunderstanding and for me it’s easy to resolve this situation. There are no bad feelings with Cristiano. It’s easy to resolve, in my view,” he said.
Jesus added that Ronaldo would ultimately decide what he wanted to do, stressing that the decision was not his to make.
“I am NOT sad. It’s him deciding,” the coach said.
Proença believes the conclusion of Portugal’s fourmatch international programme provides enough time and space for the two sides to settle their differences.
“Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The federation president also made clear that Portugal’s door remains open to Ronaldo, whose commitment to the national team has continued beyond the point when he could have ended his international career.
“Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him,” Proença said.
At the meantime both the federation and Jesus have publicly left the possibility of Ronaldo’s continued involvement with Portugal open, putting the next move firmly in the hands of the veteran forward.
Pingback: 14 Super Falcons in camp as Nigeria begin Olympic push against Comoros - The Athletic NG