Rabat – Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença has strongly backed Cristiano Ronaldo following his recent dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus, describing the forward as the “greatest symbol of Portuguese identity.”
Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday, Proença said Ronaldo remains an important part of the national team despite leaving the squad’s training camp in Copenhagen last week.
“We are talking about the best player of all time, a player who has given more than two decades to Portuguese football,” Proença told RTP. “Cristiano Ronaldo today represents the greatest symbol of Portuguese identity. We have to pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Proença also rejected suggestions that Ronaldo’s place in the squad is based primarily on his status or reputation.
“He is in the national team on his own sporting merit, and that must be absolutely unquestionable,” he said. “He will always be part of this group whenever, from a technical point of view, he is capable.”
Proenca calls dispute a ‘misunderstanding’
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on September 30 following several days of tension with Jesus.
The dispute developed after the 41-year-old remained an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway despite warming up during the second half. Ronaldo subsequently left the camp after discussions with Proença and said he would explain the reasons behind his decision “in due course.”
Proença, however, said the situation should not be viewed as a lasting breakdown between Ronaldo and the national team.
“We are dealing with a misunderstanding that has to be resolved inside the house,” he said, describing Ronaldo as Portugal’s “flag” and part of the country’s football heritage.
The FPF president added that there would be time for all sides to sit down and discuss the situation calmly before Portugal’s next international window.
Jesus has also left the door open for Ronaldo’s return, saying the decision ultimately rests with the forward.
“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said after Sunday’s win over Norway. “Cris is the one who’s going to decide.”
Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 and Norway 2-1 without Ronaldo, securing their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a perfect record in Group A4.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 international matches.
