Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has agreed to meet Cristiano Ronaldo in an attempt to contain the dispute between the two men, leaving the decision on whether talks go ahead with the national team captain.
The move follows mediation efforts by the Portuguese Football Federation, which is waiting for Ronaldo to respond to the proposal. Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Jesus has accepted an emergency meeting to repair relations with the 7 shirt holder and seek a solution to the disagreement.
The talks are being considered as Portugal try to prevent Ronaldo’s international career from ending abruptly after more than two decades. The dispute has widened beyond the squad, with the issue now attracting public attention across the country.
Placards expressing anger have appeared on the streets of Lisbon, while the Portugal delegation faced a tense atmosphere when it arrived in Porto. The developments have increased pressure on those attempting to settle the disagreement before it causes further disruption around the national team.
Jesus remains committed to his footballing decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench for the match against Denmark. However, the manager recognises the importance of resolving the dispute and restoring stability within the squad as quickly as possible.
Portugal are preparing for their next fixture against Norway, which is scheduled for Sunday tomorrow at Estadio do Dragao in Porto as part of the Nations League. While the squad focuses on that match in the north of the country, attention has turned to Madrid, where Ronaldo is based.
The forward has remained silent since leaving Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen. No response has yet been given to the federation’s efforts to bring the two sides together.
With Jesus now willing to meet, the next move rests with Ronaldo. He can accept the invitation and pursue a settlement, or maintain his position in a dispute that could put his lengthy international career at risk of ending in circumstances that do not reflect his status or contribution to Portugal over more than 20 years.
