Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca is confident the misunderstanding between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo will be resolved and hopes the veteran striker will return to the squad in November. Ronaldo walked out on the team prior to last weeks Nations League game in Denmark following a row with Jesus that stemmed from the coachs decision not to bring him off the bench against Norway the previous weekend.The 41-year-old flew back from Copenhagen in his private jet just hours before the Denmark game and was not considered for last nights return against the Norwegians in Porto, a game the hosts won 2-1 with Ronaldos replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring the deciding goal 11 minutes from time.Ronaldo will return to action for club side Al-Nassr this Friday and it is hoped a resolution can be found prior to the November international break.Proenca told RTP: The FPF is not a house without rules but these dynamics happen within a working group.There is a very strong relationship between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo. If that were not the case, maybe Ronaldo would have already retired from the national team. Everything that will happen in the next few days are moments of tranquility, conversation, discussion and what we want is that in November he can be with our squad again.Ronaldo is our legend ProencaProenca needs to tread a tricky line in not undermining Jesus but also attempting to smooth the waters for Ronaldos return.Ronaldo is the best player of all time, added Proenca. He has given more than two decades to Portuguese football. Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest symbol of Portugueseness. He is in the national team for his own sporting merit and this is absolutely unquestionable. He will always be part of this squad whenever he is technically capable. Cristiano knows that this is the feeling.On the specific subject, let me say that we are facing a misunderstanding that has to be resolved internally. Hes part of the squad, hes our legend. He was the captain for the first of these four games. The coach says he counts on him.Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese legend, an absolutely extraordinary player who could have ended his career after the World Cup but did not want to do it because of the love he has for his national team. I am a witness of this relationship that Cristiano has with the Portuguese people, with our team. Therefore, now that these four games are over, we will all have time and tranquility to sit down and solve a misunderstanding.Ronaldo is part of our heritage and will be here whenever the coach wants him to be.Jesus I wont apologise to RonaldoJesus said he would be happy to see Ronaldo return but ruled out apologising for not bringing the former Real Madrid superstar off the bench.I dont apologise to anyone, he said. The problem that started all of this was that the player was warming up. I made the decision [not to bring him on]. What do I have to apologise for?He added: I dont know what Cris will decide. Ive already said what I have to say, but Ill add, for me, at first it was never a situation. It was something I thought was normal as a coach. There are principles as a coach that are non-negotiable.For me Cris will be in the next squad if he is playing for Al-Nassr and he wants to return to the national team. You cant change, in my opinion, a one-year friendship in a situation that you cant understand. It was something he created himself, and maybe well because hes a legend, this whole problem of coming on, warming up, not coming on How many warmed up today and didnt come on? Will there be any problem? No. With Cris its different, hes a legend. But is it a problem? Its not a problem for me. If Cris wants to and is playing for Al-Nassr he will be called up. But its Cris who will decide.Portugals next games are during the November international break when they host Denmark before taking on Wales in Cardiff. Topics Al-Nassr FC Cristiano Ronaldo Jorge Jesus Portugal National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Portugal 2-1 Norway: Ramos completes turnaround as defending champions book quarter-final spot Nicholas McGee 4th October, 2026 Portugal v Norway: Ajer and Cancelo trade first-half stunners Nicholas McGee 4th October, 2026 Portugal v Norway: Confirmed line-ups as defending Nations League champions aim to maintain 100% start Nicholas McGee 4th October, 2026 Portugal v Norway: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Mitch Fretton 3rd October, 2026 Hojlund shoves Portugal boss Jesus and explains Ronaldo celebration Jon Fisher 2nd October, 2026 Ronaldo saga will not divide us, Jesus vows after Portugal win over Denmark Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026
