Portugal are exploring a way to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back into the national team and give him the opportunity to make a final international appearance for his country, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The Portuguese Football Federation is reportedly considering arranging a match specifically to honour Ronaldo and bring his international career to a fitting close. The proposed fixture would celebrate the captain’s achievements and allow him to say goodbye to supporters in a setting befitting his status in Portuguese football.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp unexpectedly on 30 September after tensions with manager Jorge Jesus. He had remained on the bench throughout the 2-1 victory over Norway, despite taking part in the warm-up before the match.
His departure followed a press conference involving Jesus and a conversation between Ronaldo and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. Ronaldo later said he would reveal the real reasons for leaving at the appropriate time, but he has not formally announced his retirement from international football.
L’Equipe reports that Portugal’s intention is to avoid Ronaldo’s international career ending without recognition. The proposed farewell would instead provide a dedicated occasion to mark the contribution of a player who has represented the country at numerous major tournaments and led the national side through some of the most important moments in its history.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and is among the players with the most international appearances. His career with the national team has been closely linked to the country’s most significant footballing achievements of the current century.
A final appearance would also be expected to attract considerable public and media interest across Portugal. Ronaldo holds an exceptional place in the country, and the fixture would give supporters the chance to see their historic captain wearing the national shirt for one last time.
The proposed farewell is therefore intended to provide a celebratory conclusion to Ronaldo’s international career rather than an ordinary ending. Portugal’s officials have yet to establish the date, opponent or other details of the match, which could become the final occasion on which Ronaldo represents his country.
