Cristiano Ronaldo issue ‘closed for now’, says Portugal boss Jorge Jesus

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus says the dispute surrounding captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been “closed for now” and will only be discussed after the Nations League match against Denmark.

Portugal are currently playing Denmark in the third round of Group D fixtures in the UEFA Nations League – League A. Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, left the Portugal camp on Wednesday, after a press conference held by Jesus.

Speaking to reporters, Jesus said: “At present, Cristiano Ronaldo is a closed subject.”

He added: “We will have time to talk about this after the Denmark match.”

Ronaldo’s departure prompted an attempted intervention by Portugal’s prime minister, Luis Montenegro, according to Portuguese broadcaster SIC Noticias.

Montenegro reportedly held telephone conversations on Wednesday with Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Jesus and Ronaldo in an effort to resolve the dispute.

The report said Proenca received a call from the prime minister, who asked to speak to Jesus to establish the details of the situation. Montenegro also spoke directly with Ronaldo.

Portugal began the group stage with a 1-0 victory over Wales, a match in which Ronaldo played. He was then absent for the second-round meeting with Norway, which Portugal won 2-1.

Portugal entered the match against Denmark top of Group D with six points. The group also contains Norway and Wales.