Cristiano Ronaldo farewell match claims dismissed as Portugal future remains uncertain

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future remains unclear following his disagreement with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, with reports of a proposed farewell match for the captain denied by Portuguese newspaper Record.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that negotiations were taking place to organise a special match for Ronaldo in the coming period, allowing him to bring his international career to an end in a manner befitting his status and achievements.

However, Record said: “Contrary to what was reported by L’Equipe and relayed by other Portuguese media, there are currently no talks or negotiations regarding a possible farewell match for the current captain of Portugal.”

The newspaper added that the proposal was merely an imagined scenario with no basis in reality. L’Equipe had used a headline suggesting that Ronaldo could “return to play a farewell match”.

The immediate outcome of Ronaldo’s dispute with Jesus is expected to depend on decisions taken after Portugal’s match against Norway at Estadio do Dragao on Monday night.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark and said he would explain, at the appropriate time, the reasons behind his decision to withdraw. His departure was interpreted by some as a possible first step towards ending his international career, but the Al-Nassr forward has yet to speak publicly about the events of recent days or confirm what he intends to do with Portugal.

The 41-year-old returned to Riyadh this afternoon on a flight from Madrid.

Record reported that the Portuguese Football Federation will attempt to carry out a reconciliation plan after Monday’s match, which is being played in the fourth round of the fourth group, first section, of the Nations League.

The objective is to repair relations with Ronaldo and persuade him to return to the national team.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes said at a news conference on Saturday: “Chris is part of the team.”

He added: “I hope he does not make any rash decisions and does not want to leave the national team permanently.”

Jesus has also left open the possibility of reconciliation, postponing discussion of the situation until after the match against Norway.

The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo comes as Argentina forward Lionel Messi prepares to play a farewell match for his country after midnight next Tuesday against Benin. Messi has announced that he will retire from international football after the World Cup.