Why Ronaldo Didn’t Retire From International Football After 2026 World Cup — Portugal FA President

Portuguese Federation president Pedro Proença has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo did not retire from international football because of his love for his country’s national team.

Speaking on Sunday after Ronaldo’s dramatic walkout from the national team camp last week, Proença broke his silence on the rift between the captain and new coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old left the camp in Copenhagen ahead of the Nations League games against Denmark and Wales following a reported misunderstanding with Jesus, who had benched him.

According to A Bola, Proença has now described it as an internal misunderstanding and insists Ronaldo’s door remains open

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity. His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready.

Also Read: I’ve No Personal Rift With Ronaldo –Jesus Breaks Silence After Portugal Camp Drama

“What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally. Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player. *He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn’t because of his love for his national team. I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team.”

Proença confirmed the federation will now arrange a peace meeting between Jesus and Ronaldo before the November window against Denmark and Wales, with even Prime Minister Luis Montenegro reportedly getting involved due to fears the saga could affect Portugal’s image ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Portugal won both games without Ronaldo — 4-2 vs Denmark and 2-1 vs Norway — but Proença added: “Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him.”

James Agberebi is a sports content creator and analyst with a passion for football and other sports. He writes sports news, match reports, and analysis to keep fans informed about the latest developments in the sporting world. James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams. His experience covering Nigerian football gives him a good understanding of the game and the teams he writes about. Through his work with Complete Sports, James shares sports updates, match coverage, and analysis with readers in Nigeria and around the world.