"The recent training camp was chaotic and emotional", Vitinha told TNT Sports after PSG defeated Man City 4-2 in the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round on 14/10. He added, "For my part, I just hope everything is resolved in the best way, that Ronaldo returns, and all is well. I think that's what we all want. Hopefully, he comes back and all issues are ironed out."

Vitinha (left) and Ronaldo during a Portugal national team training session at Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA on 25/6. *Reuters*

The conflict between Ronaldo and coach Jesus originated when Ronaldo warmed up as requested but was not brought onto the field during Portugal's 2-1 victory against Norway on 27/9. Two days later, the 41-year-old forward trained individually despite having no injury. On 30/9, he unexpectedly left the national team's headquarters in Copenhagen after a discussion with FPF President Proenca.

CR7 subsequently did not participate in Portugal's 4-2 win against Denmark and the 2-1 win against Norway. He then published a nearly 2,000-word open letter, criticizing Jesus for two broken promises. Despite this, he affirmed his desire to continue playing for Portugal after serving any potential penalties. Ronaldo currently faces disciplinary proceedings and could be banned for one to six matches. The incident garnered significant attention and elicited mixed reactions within the football community.

Former Portugal midfielder Ricardo Quaresma, who played alongside Ronaldo for many years, believes the conflict should have been resolved internally rather than brought to the public. "I have a good relationship with both Cristiano and the head coach. Only those involved know what they discussed. This matter could have been entirely resolved internally, without needing to be exposed publicly", he told SIC Caras's Passadeira Vermelha program, on the sidelines of the ModaLisboa event. The 43-year-old former midfielder also commented that everyone must accept the consequences of their choices. However, he declined to offer advice to Ronaldo or Jesus, believing that both know what needs to be done.

Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute during Portugal's match against Norway in the Nations League, in Oslo on 27/9. *AP*

While Quaresma maintained a cautious stance, Lothar Matthaus expressed skepticism about Ronaldo's return to the national team. The former German star suggested that the root cause of the breakdown might be deeper than disagreements over playing time. "Ronaldo has had a phenomenal career. He has contributed so much to football, and we should all be grateful for that", Matthaus said on RTL. "Perhaps that's why his departure from the national team should have been more dignified." According to the former captain of the 1990 World Cup-winning German team, the issue is not solely limited to the relationship between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus. He suspects the 41-year-old forward no longer receives the same level of support from his teammates as before.

Conversely, Brazilian legend Romario publicly sided with Ronaldo. On the Charla Podcast on 8/10, the former 1994 World Cup-winning forward stated that he would also leave the team if he felt disrespected. The former Brazilian forward even suggested that Ronaldo made only one mistake: not directly confronting Jorge Jesus with harsh words before departing.

Meanwhile, Laszlo Boloni, the coach who brought Ronaldo to Sporting Lisbon's first team in 2002, called for common ground between the two parties. The 73-year-old Romanian coach does not want to assign blame to anyone. According to Boloni, both Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus possess enough experience and wisdom to overcome their disagreements. "They are both intelligent people, so they need to find understanding. It would be good for everyone if the two could resolve this situation", he shared with the Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

According to A Bola, coach Jesus does not want the tension to linger and may resolve the issue in November. The head coach of the Portugal national team intends to call up Ronaldo for the final two Nations League group stage matches: against Denmark on 14/11 in Braga and away against Wales on 17/11. Jesus's view is that Ronaldo still has a place in the national team. If the forward wishes to end his international career, he must be the one to make that decision. Jesus does not want to be seen as the one pushing Ronaldo out of the national team and is ready to call him back to demonstrate that disagreements between the two have been left behind. The former coach of Al Nassr and Al Hilal is also reportedly willing to participate in a mediation meeting organized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to resolve disagreements between the coach, the player, and the federation.

Hong Duy (according to Telegraph)