"Judging an entire career based solely on this incident? Never," Henry stated on RMC's "Rothen s’enflamme" program when asked about Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal national team's base in Denmark.

The former Arsenal and Barca striker declined to comment extensively on Portugal's internal conflict. "That is something they must resolve themselves. In France, we also have our own issues," Henry said.

Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during Portugal's match against Norway in the Nations League, in Oslo on 27/9. *Photo: AP*

However, the French football icon affirmed that the current events cannot diminish Ronaldo's standing in football history. Henry clarified that any previous criticisms of Ronaldo stemmed from analyzing specific matches or situations.

According to Henry, Ronaldo's most remarkable trait is his enduring passion for football and his achievements over two decades. The 1998 World Cup winner also expressed immense respect for Ronaldo, similar to Lionel Messi and other players who have consistently maintained their elite status for extended periods.

"If we are talking about a legend, there is nothing more to discuss. What Ronaldo represents for football is extraordinary," Henry remarked. "I admire how he lives for football, his obsession with the sport, with records, with being the best. His physique is even better now than when he started. Without that obsession, we would not have witnessed such a Ronaldo."

The controversy began on 27/9 when Ronaldo was not utilized in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway. Coach Jorge Jesus explained that he had initially considered bringing Ronaldo on as a substitute but changed his mind due to the match's developments. The 41-year-old forward trained separately for the next two days, despite having no injury.

Jesus denied reports that Ronaldo refused to train with the team, asserting that there was no serious incident between them. According to the Portuguese coach, Ronaldo told him he accepted all professional decisions, whether playing or being a substitute.

Cristiano Ronaldo arriving at the training ground in Copenhagen, Denmark on 30/9, before the match against the hosts in the Nations League. *Photo: AP*

However, on 30/9, Ronaldo unexpectedly left the team's base in Copenhagen. He stated that the decision was made after discussions with Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), and announced he would provide a full explanation at an appropriate time.

According to European media, Jesus and Proenca even went to Copenhagen Airport, intending to persuade Ronaldo to stay, but the veteran forward still boarded a private jet to Madrid.

The Portugal national team's social media accounts reportedly lost nearly 2 million followers since the controversy erupted. Jesus also faced repercussions, with his personal accounts losing nearly 100,000 followers. The coach was also met with protests from some fans when leaving the hotel and at Parken Stadium.

Conversely, Ronaldo's follower count continued to rise. Portuguese media interpreted this as a sign that a segment of fans sided with the captain rather than the coach and the FPF.

Support for Ronaldo also emerged in real life. Several billboards defending the 41-year-old forward and criticizing Jesus were erected in Lisbon and near Cidade do Futebol, the FPF's headquarters.

Fernando Maia, owner of an outdoor advertising business, claimed responsibility for these billboards. He affirmed that he self-funded the initiative and did not know Ronaldo or any member of the Portuguese forward's team.

Maia admitted that some phrases on the billboards, including content related to "ego," were somewhat excessive and might be removed in future versions. However, he still wanted to emphasize Ronaldo's contributions during two decades with the national team.

"We are talking about someone who has given so much to Portugal," Maia said. "We cannot ignore 20 years of Ronaldo playing for the national team and what he has done for the country." He plans to erect another billboard near Dragao Stadium, where Portugal will play their next match against Norway on 4/10. According to Maia, the total cost for the campaign is approximately USD 2,100.

A billboard supporting Ronaldo and criticizing coach Jesus. *Photo: EPA*

As the debate intensified, the FPF is reportedly seeking to de-escalate tensions. According to A Bola newspaper, the federation's leadership does not want Ronaldo's international career, which spans over two decades, to end in the current manner. While no urgent meetings have been confirmed, the FPF is prioritizing renewed dialogue between Ronaldo and Jesus.

FPF President Pedro Proenca, along with other leading members, is expected to mediate, aiming to find an acceptable solution for both parties.

The current conflict is no longer viewed as merely a professional decision. Jesus wants to protect his right to select the squad and control the locker room, while Ronaldo is upset about being relegated to the bench.

The FPF is concerned that if unresolved, the incident could create a lasting rift between the coaching staff, the national team, and a large segment of fans. Therefore, the federation seeks to restore communication channels between the coach and the captain, while preventing an abrupt departure for the player who holds many records in the history of the Portugal national team.

Hong Duy (according to Abola)