Portugal’s camp faces an uneasy Sunday night, with the Nations League meeting with Norway at 20:45 overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the squad earlier this week.
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Portugal coach Jorge Jesus struggled to contain questions about Ronaldo during his Saturday press conference, which ended earlier than planned as reporters repeatedly sought clarity over the forward’s situation.
Ronaldo left the training camp on Wednesday after being used as a substitute in each of Portugal’s previous two matches. His representatives have also raised uncertainty over whether the country’s record scorer could retire from international football.
Jesus declined to reveal whether he had spoken with the 40-year-old. He insisted that Ronaldo remained a defining figure for Portugal, but asked for the focus to return to the team’s immediate challenge.
“We will have time to discuss all that after the match,” Jesus said. “Right now I need to concentrate on the team and on Norway, who are among the five strongest nations in Europe and have excellent players.”
Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder, said he had spoken to Ronaldo and called for unity around the national side. He described his teammate as Portugal’s greatest symbol, both for the team and the country’s football.
“Whatever happens, he will always be the biggest symbol of our national team and Portuguese football,” Fernandes said. “He has a place among the greatest players of all time and in the hearts of Portuguese people.”
Ronaldo is Portugal’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
Next appointment: Portugal v Norway
Portugal host Norway on Sunday in the Nations League, kicking off at 20:45. Jesus’s side lead Group 4 after winning all three of their games, including two victories achieved without Ronaldo.
They hold a six-point advantage over both Denmark and Norway, leaving the hosts with a chance to strengthen their grip on the group while the Ronaldo issue continues to hang over the camp.
