Ronaldo Set for Emergency Meeting After Being Benched

Cristiano Ronaldo is slated for an urgent meeting with Portugal's national team manager Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca. The discussion arises after Ronaldo, the 41-year-old captain, was notably left on the bench during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway. This marked the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo did not participate in a match for Portugal, barring absences due to injury or suspension.

Following the match on Sunday, Ronaldo reportedly left the field directly and did not return to acknowledge the traveling supporters with his teammates. While manager Jesus had initially considered a 30-minute appearance for the veteran striker, he ultimately decided to keep him on the bench. The team's win validated the decision on the field, but Ronaldo's discontent has prompted FA chief Proenca to alter his travel plans to attend the three-way meeting.

Proenca was reportedly scheduled to travel to the Azores for an Under-21s match, but addressing Ronaldo's situation has become the immediate priority. This situation represents a challenging start to the relationship between new manager Jesus and Ronaldo, who chose not to retire from international duty after the World Cup.

Only a week prior, Ronaldo had expressed his continued commitment to the national team. He stated, "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, who will turn 42 in February, has scored three goals in five games for his club Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season. Jesus and Ronaldo previously worked together for a year at Al-Nassr, but their professional relationship could face friction if Ronaldo's playing time with the national team remains limited.

Roberto Martinez resigned after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup. Upon his announcement as Martinez's successor, Jesus addressed the question of Ronaldo's inclusion. He stated, "As long as he's playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team."

Goncalo Ramos, 25, scored the winning goal against Norway. He is widely considered a potential successor to Ronaldo in Portugal's forward line. However, it appears that as long as Ronaldo remains part of the national squad, his playing time demands are likely to continue to be a point of contention for the new manager.