Pedro Proenca Backs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Future After Camp Exit
Portugal federation president Pedro Proenca has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo still has a place with the national team, despite the veteran forward leaving the squad after a disagreement with head coach Jesus.
Ronaldo’s future at international level has been questioned after he was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win in Norway on September 27. The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker had started the earlier home victory against Wales, but did not feature in Oslo and subsequently departed the camp.
Proenca has moved to defuse the issue, describing the episode as an internal matter rather than the end of Ronaldo’s Portugal career.
“We are talking about the greatest player of all time, a player who has given more than two decades to Portuguese football,” Proenca said. “He will remain part of this group provided he is physically and technically able to play. Cristiano understands that. This was a misunderstanding that must be dealt with privately.”
Portugal back their captain
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain and the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals from 234 appearances for his country.
Proenca stressed that the forward’s decision to continue representing Portugal has been rooted in his commitment to the shirt. Ronaldo had considered ending his international career after the World Cup, but elected to remain available.
“Ronaldo is a symbol of the country,” Proenca added. “He is a Portuguese icon and an extraordinary footballer. He could have finished with the national team after the World Cup, yet he chose to continue because of his love for Portugal.”
What happens next
Jesus’ side maintained their focus during the international window, winning 4-2 away to Denmark before completing the schedule with a comfortable home success over Norway.
Those results leave Portugal top of Group Four with a perfect 12 points from four matches. Federation officials will now look to settle the dispute before the next squad gathering, when Ronaldo’s availability and possible return will be assessed.
