Benatia backs Ronaldo to return for Portugal amid growing camp controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from Portugal’s training camp has prompted former Juventus team-mate Medhi Benatia to call for the captain to return to international football and receive the farewell he deserves.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute as Portugal beat Norway 2-1. He left the team’s camp in Copenhagen shortly after a news conference held by manager Jorge Jesus, in which the coach said he had the final say over team selection.

Ronaldo then departed in his private jet, turning the incident into a major talking point in Portugal and raising questions over the future of the Al-Nassr forward with the national side.

Benatia, the former Morocco captain and now a football analyst for Canal+, said he hoped Ronaldo’s international career would continue.

“I hope we see Cristiano Ronaldo back with Portugal and that he gets the ending he deserves,” Benatia said in comments reported by French website Foot Mercato.

The statement reflects Benatia’s wish for Ronaldo to remain involved with Portugal and to be honoured for his contribution to the national team over many years.

The situation has attracted widespread attention in Portugal, with supporters waiting to see what step their captain will take next following his departure from the camp.

Benatia and Ronaldo were team-mates at Juventus. Canal+ Foot also published the former Morocco international’s assessment of the situation on social media on 2 October 2026, alongside the message: “I hope we see Cristiano Ronaldo back with Portugal and that he gets the ending he deserves.”