Pedro Proença says Cristiano Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s national team

“He is an integral part of our national team,” Pedro Proença said of Cristiano Ronaldo. The president of the Portuguese Football Federation left the door open for the star to remain in the squad after an international break that was turbulent behind the scenes.

On the pitch, Portugal went unbeaten, winning all four matches and already securing qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals. But Cristiano Ronaldo made a dramatic departure from the squad after the second match, unhappy that he had not been brought on.

After remaining silent until then, Pedro Proença also defended the coach. “We must pay tribute to him,” he said. He declined to give details of the exchanges between the player and the coach, describing them as normal conversations between a manager and his players. He also stressed that Ronaldo’s place in the national team is based on sporting merit.

The president said Cristiano would remain part of the group as long as he had the required ability, and described the situation as a misunderstanding to be resolved internally. He recalled that Ronaldo is an emblematic figure and that Jesus had recently said he was counting on him if he was fit, as he would with any player. Proença also spoke of the bond between the captain and the squad, saying the players had demonstrated their strong connection to their current captain.

Pedro Proença said he wanted the focus to remain on the pitch after the four matches. “Cristiano Ronaldo is part of our history and will always be there if the coach wants him,” he said, adding that the necessary discussions could take place calmly. He also highlighted the strong relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus, saying it helps explain why the player remains with the national team. The president’s stated aim is for the squad to come together again in November.