Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has commented on the situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward's disagreement with national team head coach Jorge Jesus.
İdman.Biz reports that the 41-year-old left Portugal's training camp early after tensions emerged between him and Jesus.
Ronaldo was left on the bench and did not feature in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway in the second round of the UEFA Nations League. Following Jesus' press conference and a conversation with Proença, the veteran forward departed the national team camp a day before Portugal's 4-2 win over Denmark in the third round.
Jesus later said that Ronaldo could return to the national team whenever he wanted.
"Cristiano is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the greatest symbol of Portuguese identity.
"His presence in the national team is fully deserved because of his exceptional sporting qualities, and that is beyond dispute. He will always be part of this team when he is fit and ready to play.
"What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved within the group.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is an icon of Portugal and an exceptional player. He could have retired after the World Cup, but he did not do so because of his love for the national team.
"I can confirm the bond he has with the Portuguese people and our national team.
"Now that four matches have been played, we have the time and opportunity to sit down calmly and resolve this misunderstanding.
"Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be there whenever the coach wants him," Proença was quoted as saying by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated players in international football and has represented Portugal's senior national team for more than two decades. He made his international debut in 2003 and helped the country win UEFA Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
