Cristiano Ronaldo is set for emergency talks with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca after the 41-year-old was left on the bench in Sunday's 2-1 win over Norway.
Ronaldo, who opted to continue his international career after the World Cup, watched the entire match from the bench and went straight down the tunnel at full-time without acknowledging the travelling supporters. Goncalo Ramos, his replacement, scored the winning goal to maintain Portugal's perfect start to the Nations League.
Broken promise and missed training
Ronaldo was reportedly promised 30 minutes of playing time by Jesus before kick-off, but the coach did not bring him on. The Portugal captain skipped training on Thursday after the squad travelled to Sweden to prepare for their game against Denmark.
He was seen walking onto the pitch at the Eleda Stadium in Malmo before having a conversation with Jesus, then heading back to the hotel. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) explained his absence by saying that Malmo do not have the equipment which Ronaldo needs for his individual training.
Emergency summit in Copenhagen
FPF president Pedro Proenca has reportedly torn up his schedule to hold emergency talks with the pair. Proenca initially was not due to arrive in Denmark until Thursday, but he is flying straight to Copenhagen for the hastily arranged summit.
Portuguese outlet Record report that the atmosphere has been 'tense and uncomfortable' because of the situation. Ronaldo spent much of Sunday's game warming up, having been assured by Jesus before kick-off that he would win his 235th international cap.
Jesus denies rift
Although Jesus has denied a breakdown in his relationship with Ronaldo, who he managed last season at Al-Nassr, the coach said after the match: "I did not realise he was upset. Only he can answer that. What is certain is that not playing him does not mean I do not rely on him."
"In fact, before the match, I told him: 'I will not start you, but I will bring you on as a substitute.' This is football: it imposes its own rules, and in this particular case, there was no justification for changing the striker, bearing in mind that we have a match in Denmark and that he may be the first choice for it."
Ronaldo's behaviour contradicts a statement he made last week after joining up with his team-mates. "I am here to help, whether I play or not," the Al-Nassr star stated. "I am just one among many. It has always been that way and it will remain so. I will say it again, I will do whatever the coach asks of me: play, come off, or even not play. The honour of representing Portugal is above anything else."
Jesus will address the media later on Wednesday and is sure to be asked about Ronaldo and Proenca.
