Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol of Portugal, says manager Jorge Jesus

Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo remains a symbol of both the Portugal national team and the country as a whole, but insists the support around the side should be directed towards the team rather than individuals.

Portugal are preparing to face Norway on Sunday in the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League group stage, with Ronaldo’s position and his future with the national side continuing to attract attention.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal as a whole,” Jesus said at his pre-match news conference. “After the Norway match, we will have plenty of time to discuss those details.”

Asked about his relationship with Ronaldo, the Portugal manager said the emotion and backing he wanted were connected to the national side rather than to himself.

“The affection and support I seek and hope for go no further than the symbolism of the national team,” he said. “That support is for the team as a whole, not for me personally. I am part of the system and its technical leader.

“Fans have their emotions tied to the country. Before I became the coach, I was a passionate supporter of the national team, and I always kept Portugal’s interests in mind.”

Jesus also rejected questions about whether the current situation involving Ronaldo could affect Portugal’s preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

“I will not be drawn away from the main issue. You are taking us all the way to 2030,” he said. “Football is played day by day and the Norway match is the most important one for us. The real challenge in front of us now is facing Norway.”

The dispute began during Portugal’s second-round group match against Norway in the UEFA Nations League, which Portugal won 2-1, with Ronaldo not involved.

The Portugal captain subsequently missed the national team’s latest training sessions. Jesus then criticised Ronaldo at a news conference before the match against Denmark, after which the player left the squad’s training camp following an agreement with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that Ronaldo had decided not to represent Portugal again and preferred to retire from international football.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, has made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and providing 45 assists.

He has won the UEFA European Championship once and the UEFA Nations League twice with the national team.

Portugal lead Group D with nine points from three wins, maintaining a perfect record.