Portugal federation signals desire to reintegrate Ronaldo ahead of November internationals
Portugal federation signals desire to reintegrate Ronaldo ahead of November internationals
During a visit to his birthplace in Funchal, Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença used the occasion to outline the governing body’s stance on the ongoing controversy surrounding captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The trip, which also marked the signing of a cooperation pact between the FPF, the Madeira Football Association and the local municipality, gave the federation an opportunity to address the future of its most celebrated player as the next international window approaches.
Background to the dispute
Ronaldo, now 41, has been at odds with national team head coach Jorge Jesus following a series of disagreements that have kept the forward out of recent selections. The stalemate has dominated headlines in Portugal and raised questions about whether the team will be without its talisman for the upcoming matches.
Proença’s statements in Madeira
Speaking to local media, Proença praised Ronaldo as “the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced” and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with the island’s municipalities. He noted that the meeting in Funchal was the eighth gathering of the federation’s decentralized board and the first to be held outside the mainland, underscoring the symbolic value of the location.
When asked about the captain’s status, the FPF chief made the federation’s position unmistakably clear. He said that both the federation and coach Jesus are eager to see Ronaldo back in the squad as soon as he is medically cleared to play. Proença emphasized that the player himself has expressed a willingness to continue representing Portugal, and that the desire to reunite is a collective one.
“We are witnessing a shared wish from the federation and the coach to have the captain return promptly, provided he is fit,” Proença explained. He also called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to avoid inflaming the situation further.
Potential return in November
The next set of fixtures, scheduled for November, pits Portugal against Denmark and Wales. Those matches could provide a realistic window for Ronaldo’s comeback, assuming the disciplinary process that is currently under way reaches a satisfactory conclusion. Proença made it clear that a desire to bring the forward back does not equate to abandoning the ongoing investigation; any final decision will be taken in line with the established procedures.
Next steps for the federation
According to the president, the federation aims to resolve the matter through dialogue while respecting the rules governing disciplinary actions. He stressed that the priority is to find a solution that serves the national team’s sporting objectives without compromising the integrity of the process.
- Maintain open communication between the FPF, the coach and Ronaldo.
- Allow the disciplinary investigation to run its course without interference.
- Assess Ronaldo’s fitness ahead of the November window.
- Prepare the squad for matches against Denmark and Wales, with or without the captain.
As the November internationals draw nearer, Portuguese fans will be watching closely to see whether the federation’s expressed desire translates into Ronaldo’s return to the national jersey. The outcome will likely shape the team’s approach to the remainder of the qualifying campaign and could have a lasting impact on the relationship between the federation, the coach and its most iconic player.
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