Portugal consider special farewell match for Cristiano Ronaldo after Norway dispute

Portugal are working on a plan to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back into the national team and give him the chance to make a final international appearance, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The proposal would allow Portugal’s captain to end his international career with a dedicated farewell match, rather than seeing his association with the team finish without a formal tribute to his achievements.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp unexpectedly on 30 September after tensions with manager Jorge Jesus. He remained an unused substitute during the 2-1 victory over Norway, despite taking part in the warm-up before the match.

His departure followed a press conference held by Jesus and a conversation between Ronaldo and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. Ronaldo later said he would explain the real reasons for leaving at the appropriate time, but he has not formally announced his retirement from international football.

L’Equipe reports that officials are seeking to organise an occasion specifically suited to Ronaldo, turning his final match into a celebration of the Portugal captain and one of the most significant players in the country’s history.

The proposed fixture would recognise a career in which Ronaldo has played for Portugal at numerous major tournaments and helped lead the national side to its most important achievements. Officials want his international career to conclude with an event reflecting his status, rather than with an ordinary match.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the country’s most-capped players. His name has been closely linked with many of the defining moments in Portuguese football during the current century.

A farewell appearance would be expected to attract substantial public and media attention. Ronaldo holds an exceptional position in Portugal, and the match would give supporters an opportunity to see their historic captain wear the national shirt for what could be the final time.

The Portuguese authorities are therefore preparing the possibility of an especially significant conclusion to Ronaldo’s international career. However, the date, opponent and other details of the proposed fixture have yet to be decided.