Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Portuguese national team has shaken the team's environment, while the Portuguese Football Federation is seeking to calm the situation and avoid the relationship with one of the most important figures in its history ending in conflict.
According to reports from Spain, published by Marca, the leaders of the Portuguese Federation are planning to hold a meeting next week, which is expected to include all parties involved, including Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus. The aim of this meeting would be to reduce tensions and create conditions for a correct relationship between the parties.
The federation hopes that the situation can be resolved and that Ronaldo's international career does not end in such a way. The idea is that, if this were to be the end of his journey with Portugal, the striker would be given a farewell in keeping with his contribution and achievements with the national team.
Ronaldo was withdrawn from the squad on 30 September after coach Jorge Jesus announced that he would not start against Denmark. Shortly after the coach's press conference, Ronaldo announced on social media that he had decided to withdraw from the squad, following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Federation, Pedro Proença.
In his statement, Ronaldo did not give details on the reasons for the decision, but warned that he would make them public at a later date.
"When the time comes, I will tell everyone the truth about the reasons that led me to leave. I have always given everything for the national team. Now I wish Portugal and my teammates all the best, without exception," Ronaldo wrote.
The Portuguese Federation, in its official response, did not give an explanation for the captain's departure. The institution only confirmed that Ronaldo had left the squad and that preparations for the next matches would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese camp has been cautious in making public statements about the situation. After the match with Denmark, Renato Veiga stated that he was close to Ronaldo, but that he could not speak about the matter.
"I'm very close to Cris and he knows how much I appreciate him, but I was told I'm not allowed to talk about him," Veiga said.
Jorge Jesus has also avoided further comment on the clash, considering the matter publicly closed. However, Ronaldo's departure and his statement that he would later reveal the reasons for his decision have left open questions about his future with the national team.
In Portugal, meanwhile, support for Ronaldo has also been shown in public. Banners in support of the captain have appeared in Lisbon, with one placed on the road connecting the Luz stadium to the airport. The message expressed support for Ronaldo and criticized Jorge Jesus.
