Cristiano Ronaldo is due to hold an emergency meeting with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca after being left on the bench for the 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.
The 41-year-old captain did not play any part in Sunday’s match, the first time in 18 years he has failed to feature for Portugal when not absent through injury or suspension.
Ronaldo went straight down the tunnel at the final whistle and did not join his team-mates in thanking the travelling supporters. Jesus had initially planned to give him a 30-minute appearance before deciding to keep him among the substitutes.
Portugal held on for the win, but Ronaldo’s reported discontent has prompted Proenca to alter his plans and attend the meeting. He had been due to travel to the Azores for an Under-21 match, but addressing the situation has now taken priority.
The episode marks a difficult early moment in the relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo. The pair previously worked together at Al-Nassr, where Jesus was in charge for a year.
Ronaldo decided to continue playing for Portugal after the World Cup and reaffirmed his commitment to the national team only a week ago.
“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future),” he said. “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, who will turn 42 in February, has scored three goals in five Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Nassr this season.
Jesus said when he was appointed as Roberto Martinez’s successor that he would select Ronaldo while the forward remained active and fit, but added that this would be “within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team”.
Goncalo Ramos, 25, scored Portugal’s winner against Norway and is viewed by many as the country’s natural successor in attack. Ronaldo’s playing time could therefore remain a key issue for the new manager as the veteran continues his international career.
