Cristiano Ronaldo is set for an emergency meeting with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca after he was left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League on Sunday.
The 41-year-old captain was an unused substitute, marking the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo had not featured for Portugal after being named in a matchday squad.
Reports in Portugal suggest Jesus had initially planned to bring on the veteran striker for a 30-minute cameo but opted against the move.
Goncalo Ramos started the game and was withdrawn in the 81st minute, but Jesus brought on Francisco Trincao instead of Ronaldo.
Portugal held on to win the game, but Ronaldo’s reported anger prompted Proenca to change his travel plans for an emergency meeting with the player and coach on Wednesday, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.
Proenca was due to travel to the Azores for an Under-21 match but changed his plans to address Ronaldo’s discontent.
One week ago, Ronaldo reiterated his commitment to the national team and explained why he had not retired from international football after the World Cup.
He said: “I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future).
“I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.
“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.
“This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”
Ronaldo has scored a record 146 international goals and has 979 career goals overall. He has also scored three goals in his first five games of the season for Al Nassr.
