Cristiano Ronaldo is set for an emergency meeting today with national boss Jorge Jesus and the head of the Portuguese FA.
A row is brewing after the 41-year-old captain was left on the bench for his side’s 2-1 win over Norway. It was the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo has not featured at all for Portugal – aside from injury or suspension absences.
At full-time on Sunday, Ronaldo stormed straight down the tunnel and did not return to thank the travelling fans alongside his team-mates.
Jesus had originally planned to bring on the veteran striker for a 30-minute cameo but then decided to leave him on the bench.
The decision was validated by Portugal holding on to win the Nations League clash but Ronaldo’s anger has led to FA chief Pedro Proenca hurriedly changing his travel plans to sit down for a three-way meeting today, according to Record.
Proenca was due to fly to the Azores for an Under-21s match but dealing with Ronaldo’s discontent has now become the priority.
Cristiano Ronaldo was angry at being an unused substitute for Portugal’s win over Norway
It is an inauspicious start to the relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo, who opted not to retire from international duty after the World Cup.
Only a week ago, Ronaldo reiterated his commitment to the cause, saying: ‘I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future).
‘I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.
‘I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.
‘This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.’
Ronaldo will turn 42 in February and has scored three goals in five games for Al-Nassr so far in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Jesus and Ronaldo worked together successfully for a year when the 71-year-old was in charge of Al-Nassr but they could be on a collision course if the forward’s playing time remains limited.
Roberto Martinez stepped down after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain and when Jesus was announced as his successor, he was asked the Ronaldo question.
Jesus insisted: ‘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 winner against Norway on Sunday and is considered by many to be the natural evolution up front for Portugal.
But it seems as long as Ronaldo is around the national side, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s playing demands will continue to be an issue for the new boss.
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