Luka Modric backs Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal dispute

Luka Modric has defended Cristiano Ronaldo amid the dispute surrounding the Portugal captain’s international future, saying the veteran deserves a more fitting ending with the national team. The support comes as Ronaldo’s relationship with coach Jorge Jesus remains strained.

Modric spoke after Croatia’s 2-1 Nations League defeat by Spain. The former Real Madrid team-mate said he did not know all the details behind the disagreement, but expressed regret at the way Ronaldo’s international career is currently unfolding. He also described Ronaldo as Portugal’s greatest player and said a solution should still be found.

Ronaldo, 41, gave his account of last week’s departure from the Portugal camp on Tuesday. He said Jesus had failed twice to honour commitments, including after allowing him to warm up without bringing him on against Norway. Ronaldo then left before the match against Denmark.

The forward has apologised to his team-mates and accepted that the Portuguese federation could impose a sanction. He has made clear, however, that he does not intend to retire from international football and remains available for Portugal. Jesus has rejected Ronaldo’s account of any agreement between them, while keeping open the possibility of the captain returning to the squad.