Paris — Vitinha has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Portugal’s national team, hoping a difficult international break can give way to a settlement before the country’s next Nations League fixtures.
The Portugal midfielder spoke after Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 win over Manchester City on Wednesday, with Ronaldo’s dispute with national-team coach Jorge Jesus still unresolved. The Al Nassr forward had apologised to his international team-mates in a social-media message, while also accusing the coach of failing to keep his word.
Quick facts
- Vitinha wants Cristiano Ronaldo back in the Portugal squad.
- Ronaldo, 41, has said he will accept any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.
- The forward has also stated that he intends to continue playing for Portugal.
- Vitinha featured in all four of Portugal’s victories during the latest Nations League window.
- Portugal’s remaining November matches are against Denmark and Wales.
“It was a turbulent international window, full of intense emotions,” Vitinha said. “For my part, I just hope everything is resolved in the best possible way. I hope he comes back and everything goes well. That is what we all want.”
He added that he hoped Ronaldo’s return could close the matter: “Hopefully he returns and everything is sorted out.”
Ronaldo has indicated that he will comply with whatever disciplinary decision the federation reaches, while maintaining his wish to remain involved with the national side. The disagreement with Jesus has nevertheless left uncertainty around the former captain’s immediate Portugal future.
For Vitinha, the focus now turns from Paris back to the national calendar. Portugal collected four wins in the recent Nations League sequence with the midfielder involved throughout, and will meet Denmark and Wales in November as the campaign resumes.
