Joao Cancelo says Portugal have spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo but keeps talks private

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo says the squad has spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo this week but will not disclose what was discussed, as the team continued their winning run with a 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League.

The result came in the fourth round of the group stage and was Portugal’s second successive win since Ronaldo left the national team camp following disagreements with manager Jorge Jesus.

Cancelo described Ronaldo as Portugal’s leader and national symbol, while also calling him the best player in the country’s history.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain, a symbol of the national team and the best in the history of Portugal,” Cancelo told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. “I am sure everything will end in the best possible way.”

Portugal have now won all four of their matches in the competition, with Cancelo praising the collective effort behind that record.

“We have achieved these four victories because we have all worked brilliantly, including Ronaldo,” he said. “Now it is time to enjoy them. No-one knows what will happen except Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo.”

Cancelo added: “Naturally, we spoke to Ronaldo this week, but I will not reveal what was said between us.”

Portugal’s latest win secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. They moved to 12 points at the top of the group, maintaining a perfect record, while Norway remain third on three points.

The Portuguese side had to finish the match with 10 players after Francisco Conceicao was sent off in the 86th minute.

Despite playing a man down for the closing stages, Portugal held on to claim their second victory since Ronaldo’s departure from the squad. The result extended their lead at the summit and left Norway with a significant gap to make up, while Portugal’s progression to the quarter-finals was confirmed.