By Adegboyega Adeleye
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has reportedly begun efforts to resolve its crisis with Cristiano Ronaldo following the captain’s surprise departure from the national team camp.
According to a report by Spanish newspaper Marca, cited by Goal, Federation officials are planning to meet with Ronaldo next week, with the player’s agreement, in an attempt to bring all parties closer together, including head coach Jorge Jesus.
The development represents a change in approach from the Federation following Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen earlier this week, an incident that has raised questions over the future of his international career.
Marca reports that the FPF wants to restore its relationship with Ronaldo and resolve the dispute without allowing the recent events to bring his Portugal career to an abrupt end.
Federation officials reportedly believe Ronaldo deserves a respectful and dignified ending to his international career because of his contribution to Portuguese football.
The FPF had initially kept its response focused on the team’s sporting commitments after Ronaldo left camp.
“The entire delegation remains fully focused on the national team’s upcoming commitments and achieving the defined objectives,” the Federation said in its statement at the time.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has said he will eventually explain why he decided to leave the national team camp.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team to which I have always dedicated myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, good luck,” he wrote on social media.
The 41-year-old left the camp after tensions emerged around his situation under Jesus. Portugal subsequently defeated Denmark 4-2 without him in the Nations League, with Ronaldo’s absence continuing to dominate discussion around the national team.
According to Marca, however, the Federation is now seeking to contain the dispute and reopen dialogue between Ronaldo, Jesus and the national team.
The reported meeting next week could therefore provide an opportunity for the parties to address the disagreement and determine the way forward for Ronaldo’s international future.
The post Ronaldo: Portuguese FA plans peace meeting with star next week — Reports appeared first on Vanguard News.