Ronaldo leaves Portugal training, federation wants to extend olive branch

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portuguese national team gathering on Wednesday evening, on the eve of a UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, triggering an open crisis within the Seleção. Several media outlets have interpreted this departure as the end of his international career at age 41.

Two factors fuel this interpretation. First, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly no longer feels sufficiently respected within the group, with head coach Jorge Jesus not hesitating to leave him on the bench. Second, this dramatic move could expose him to disciplinary suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

Ronaldo has not yet confirmed anything. On Instagram, he simply promised to tell « the truth to all Portuguese people », without specifying either the timing or the content of this statement.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the FPF does not wish to allow the situation to deteriorate further. The federation is reportedly considering organizing, as early as next week following the international window, a meeting between its executives, Jorge Jesus, and Ronaldo. The stated objective: to defuse tensions and prevent the international career of the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer from ending in rupture.

« Within the federation, there is a belief that he deserves a career ending marked by respect and dignity, befitting what he has demonstrated throughout his career », Marca reports. The question remains: will apologies from the FPF or the head coach be enough to heal the wound?