Portugal FA Chief Calls Cristiano Ronaldo-Jorge Jesus Rift a ‘Misunderstanding’

Portugal federation president Pedro Proenca has played down the rift between Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus, calling it a misunderstanding that will be settled internally.

Ronaldo's international future has been in doubt since the 41-year-old Al Nassr forward left the national team camp during the latest Nations League break. 

Jesus has said the door is open, but the choice is up to the player.

"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team," Jesus said. "We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide."

He added: "Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he's the one who will decide how he wants it."

Proenca backed the captain firmly and urged fans to remember what he has done for the country.

"We are talking about the greatest player of all time, a player who has given more than two decades to Portuguese soccer," Proenca said, as quoted by ESPN.

"He will always be part of this squad if he is technically fit to play. Cristiano knows this. He knows that is the sentiment. What happened was a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally."

The trouble started when Jesus left Ronaldo as an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway. Ronaldo had started the opening win over Wales, so being left on the bench was a step too far for him.

Proenca said Ronaldo continues to play for his country purely out of love, and that he could have retired from international football after the World Cup but chose not to.

"Ronaldo is a symbol of our country," Proenca said. "He is a Portuguese icon, an absolutely extraordinary player who could have ended his international career after the World Cup but chose not to out of love for the national team."

Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in international football, with 146 in 234 appearances for Portugal.

On the pitch, Portugal kept their focus despite the drama. They won 4-2 away to Denmark, then finished the window with a comfortable home win over Norway. That leaves Jesus' side top of the group with a perfect 12 points from 12.

It is still unclear whether Ronaldo will be back for the next set of games. The federation now has to work behind the scenes to settle things before the squad meets again.