Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down clear-the-air talks to settle the dispute surrounding his Portugal future after head coach Jorge Jesus offered reconciliation. The 41-year-old forward left the international camp early after being an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory against Norway last weekend.
Fallout and departure
Jesus maintained there were no problems following the episode and that Ronaldo would rejoin training earlier this week. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed his early departure from the international squad instead.
Ronaldo has stayed in Europe over the last few days, which prompted Jesus to suggest peace talks, though only after their Nations League return fixture against Norway on Sunday evening.
Jesus said: "We need to focus on the national team, on the match against Norway, on what we need to do well, in harmony with our people. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about him. He's a symbol of the Portuguese national team, he's a symbol of Portugal, let's be clear about that. After the match, we'll have time to talk about it."
Return to Riyadh
Ronaldo, however, seems to have rejected that possibility by arranging to return via private aircraft to Riyadh and concentrate on Al-Nassr, according to Portuguese publication A Bola. Record claimed that discussions between the iconic striker and Jesus might have taken place in Madrid over the coming days, though that likelihood now appears increasingly uncertain.
During his absence, with Goncalo Ramos spearheading the attack, Portugal have delivered impressive performances and secured convincing victories away to Norway and Denmark.
Team-mate's plea
Ronaldo's saga has overshadowed coverage of Portugal during the past week, prompting Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes to offer his verdict. He said: "Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. What I told him, and what I repeat here, is regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world. We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides. He deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or [who likes him] less."
Ronaldo featured in the opening fixture of the three-week domestic hiatus against Wales before being dropped from the starting line-up, prompting swift action from the forward. His complete statement regarding his departure read: "Following the national team manager's press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team's training camp. In due course, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated. Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my team-mates, without exception."
Club difficulties
While Ronaldo appears to have refocused his attention on club football, he has also been facing difficulties at Al-Nassr. He was substituted at the interval by Ange Postecoglou during a Saudi Pro League fixture in August, despite his team trailing 2-0 and being reduced to 10 men.
Despite being a man down, they mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 victory. Ronaldo may well have missed the turnaround, however, as he left the ground following his substitution rather than remaining with his team-mates.
