Cristiano Ronaldo to have emergency talks with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus
Cristiano Ronaldo is heading for emergency talks with Portugal boss Jorge Jesus after his reaction to being left on the bench sparked an intervention from the country’s chief, reports BritPanorama.
The 41-year-old captain did not play a single minute of Sunday’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, heading straight down the tunnel instead of joining his team-mates to thank the travelling supporters.
Following this incident, Portuguese FA president Pedro Proenca has reportedly rearranged his schedule to address the fallout, with a three-way meeting involving Ronaldo and Jesus planned for today. Proenca had been due to travel to the Azores for an Under-21 fixture, but resolving the tension surrounding Portugal’s most famous player has taken priority.
This situation threatens to overshadow a winning start for Jesus, whose management of Ronaldo is already under scrutiny after taking over from Roberto Martinez. Initially, Jesus intended to give the veteran forward half an hour of play against Norway but changed that plan as the match progressed. Portugal ultimately secured victory, with Goncalo Ramos netting the decisive goal.
However, the result did little to mask Ronaldo’s frustration at being reduced to a spectator. This match marked a significant milestone, as it was the first competitive match for Portugal in 18 years where Ronaldo remained an unused substitute. Ramos, aged 25, is emerging as a natural successor in attack, heightening the focus on how Jesus balances the squad’s future while accommodating Ronaldo’s enduring desire to compete.
Ronaldo had expressed his commitment to representing his country after the World Cup, indicating just last week that he believes he still has much to contribute. “I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future),” he stated. “I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”
He acknowledged the rising young talent in the squad, stating, “This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be effective on the pitch to score goals and help the team win games.”
Jesus took the managerial role following Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain, outlining selection conditions that govern Ronaldo’s inclusion in the team. “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” Jesus asserted.
Despite their past successes together at Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo netted three goals in five Saudi Pro League appearances this season, this familiarity does not guarantee agreement on his role with the national team. With Ronaldo approaching 42 in February, his long-term future remains uncertain.
Ultimately, this situation not only highlights the challenges facing Portugal’s new coach but also underscores the complexity of managing a football icon whose storied career continues to intertwine with the evolving dynamics of the national team.
