Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled for an emergency meeting today with national team manager Jorge Jesus and the head of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca. This meeting follows Ronaldo's absence from training on Wednesday after he was left on the bench during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway, marking the first time in 18 years that he did not play for the national team, aside from injury or suspension.
After the match, Ronaldo left the field without acknowledging the fans, which has raised concerns within the team. Jesus had intended to substitute Ronaldo into the game for approximately 30 minutes but ultimately decided against it. Despite Portugal securing the win, Ronaldo's dissatisfaction prompted Proenca to alter his travel plans, prioritizing a discussion with Ronaldo over his scheduled trip to the Azores for an Under-21 match.
Portugal is set to face Denmark on Thursday, but Ronaldo, along with teammates Joao Felix and Francisco Conceicao, did not participate in training today. Reports indicate that Ronaldo briefly spoke with Jesus before leaving the training facility due to equipment issues.
Ronaldo, who will turn 42 in February, has expressed his commitment to the national team, stating, 'I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want.' He has scored three goals in five matches for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, acknowledged the need to balance Ronaldo's playing time with the team's overall strategy, stating, 'As long as he's playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.'
Goncalo Ramos, 25, scored the winning goal against Norway and is viewed as a potential successor to Ronaldo in the forward position, suggesting that Ronaldo's presence may continue to influence team dynamics moving forward.