Ronaldo did not play in Portugal's win over Norway, prompting a crisis meeting

Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the match against Norway has led to discussions about his role in the national team.

Jorge Jesus has made a promising start as head coach of Portugal, leading the team to victories over Wales and Norway in the UEFA Nations League. However, the focus has shifted to a meeting with captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not play in the recent win against Norway and missed training sessions leading up to the match. The Portuguese Football Federation has not indicated any injury concerns regarding the veteran striker.

Ronaldo, who has been a mainstay in the national team since 2003, was not included in the starting line-up for the match against Norway. This absence has sparked discussions about his future with the national team, especially after he was dropped from the starting XI during the 2022 World Cup knockout stages under previous coach Fernando Santos. Roberto Martinez reinstated him for all matches leading up to the upcoming European Championship.

Despite speculation about his retirement, Ronaldo has expressed his desire to continue contributing to the national team. He mentioned that he would consider retirement at the end of the club season but feels capable of helping Portugal achieve their goals. His commitment remains strong, as he stated that he would step away when he feels he is no longer effective.

After Ronaldo was left on the bench against Norway, reports emerged that he was frustrated by not being utilised. This marked just the third time in his international career that he was an unused substitute. Following the match, Ronaldo left the pitch without acknowledging fans, prompting discussions about the dynamics between him and Jesus, who have a history of working together at Al Nassr.

The situation has been described as a 'crisis' by some media outlets, leading to a meeting aimed at resolving any tensions between Ronaldo and the coaching staff. While Jesus has publicly reaffirmed Ronaldo's importance to the team, the ongoing debate about his role continues to be a significant topic among fans and analysts alike.

via Sky Sports