Luís Montenegro speaks with Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo exit

Portugal’s football dispute has reached the country’s political leadership. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro contacted federation president Pedro Proença after Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from the national team camp, then spoke with both coach Jorge Jesus and the 41-year-old captain. Montenegro and Jesus are known to have a good relationship.

The rupture followed Ronaldo’s non-selection for Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory in Norway on Sunday. He was unhappy at remaining on the bench and missed the next training session after Jesus defended his decision-making at a press conference. Ronaldo left the team’s Copenhagen base as his teammates began training, later flying out on his private aircraft.

Ronaldo said on Instagram that he had chosen to leave after speaking with Proença and following the coach’s media appearance. Jesus had stressed that every player was subject to the same rules, while making clear that he alone decides the team’s line-up. The dispute comes before Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Denmark.

Ronaldo’s international future is now uncertain, with his departure prompting speculation about a possible retirement. Portugal’s number seven was already reassigned on Thursday, one day after he left the camp.