Luka Modric says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a different Portugal farewell

Luka Modric says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves “a different ending” with Portugal after the disagreement between the forward and national-team manager Jorge Jesus.

Modric, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, spoke after Croatia’s 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Nations League. The Croatia great said he was sorry to see the situation involving his former team-mate reach this point and hoped it could be resolved.

“It is unfortunate to see what is happening to Cristiano in his country, but I believe they will find a solution,” Modric said, according to Foot Mercato.

The 40-year-old admitted he did not know the full details of the dispute between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus.

“Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of Portugal and deserves a different ending with the national team,” added Modric.

His comments came after Ronaldo gave his account on Tuesday of his sudden departure from Portugal’s training camp the previous week.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain accused Jorge Jesus of failing to honour commitments made to him on two occasions.

Ronaldo apologised to his team-mates and accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation could impose sanctions. However, he insisted he had no intention of retiring from international football and remained available to represent Portugal.