The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has reportedly begun efforts to resolve its crisis with Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain’s surprise departure from the national team camp.
Spanish newspaper Marca, as cited by Goal, reports that federation officials plan to meet with Ronaldo next week — with the player’s agreement — in an effort to bring all parties together, including head coach Jorge Jesus.
The development marks a change in the FPF’s approach following Ronaldo’s exit from Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen earlier this week, an incident that has raised questions about the future of his international career. Marca says the federation wants to restore its relationship with Ronaldo and resolve the dispute without bringing his Portugal career to an abrupt end.
Federation officials reportedly believe Ronaldo deserves a respectful and dignified ending to his international career in recognition of his contribution to Portuguese football.
The FPF initially kept its response focused on the team’s sporting commitments after Ronaldo left camp. “The entire delegation remains fully focused on the national team’s upcoming commitments and achieving the defined objectives,” the federation said in a statement at the time.
Ronaldo has said he will eventually explain why he left the national team camp. “In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team to which I have always dedicated myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, good luck,” he wrote on social media.
The 41-year-old left the camp after tensions emerged around his situation under Jesus. Portugal went on to defeat Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League without him, and Ronaldo’s absence has continued to dominate discussion around the national team.
Marca reports the FPF is now seeking to contain the dispute and reopen dialogue between Ronaldo, Jesus and the national team. The meeting next week could provide an opportunity for the parties to address their disagreements and determine the way forward for Ronaldo’s international future.
