Ronaldo 'ends chances of Portugal meeting' in brutal response to manager

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly rejected any chances of a meeting to resolve the row over his Portugal career after head coach Jorge Jesus extended an olive branch. The rift between the two emerged after the 41-year-old was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway last weekend, prompting the player to storm out of the camp.

Jesus insisted there were no issues after the incident and that Ronaldo would return to training earlier this week. But, he had other plans and subsequently announced his premature exit from the national team camp.

Ronaldo has remained in Europe over the last few days, which saw Jesus open the door for clear-the-air talks, but only following their Nations League clash against Norway this evening.

He said: “We need to focus on the national team, on the match against Norway, on what we need to do well, in harmony with our people. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about him. He's a symbol of the Portuguese national team, he's a symbol of Portugal, let's be clear about that. After the match, we'll have time to talk about it."

However, Ronaldo appears to have declined that option by planning to fly back on a private jet to Riyadh and focus on Al-Nassr, according to the Portuguese outlet Abola. It was claimed by Record that a meeting between the legendary forward and Jesus could have taken place in Madrid in the coming days, but that now, the prospect of reconciliation is far from certain.

In his absence, and with Goncalo Ramos leading the line, Portugal have impressed and picked up strong wins away to Norway and Denmark. Facing the former in Porto on Sunday is their final match of this extended international break.

The Ronaldo situation has dominated news surrounding Portugal over the last week, which saw Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes weigh in with a clear verdict. He said: "Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him.

"What I told him, and what I repeat here, is regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world.

"We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides. He deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or [who likes him] less."

Ronaldo played in the first match of the three-week domestic pause against Wales before being replaced in the starting XI, which saw him take immediate action.

His full statement on the decision to leave read: "Following the national team manager's press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team's training camp.

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"In due course, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated. Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception."

While Ronaldo looks to be back focused on club football, he has also been encountering some issues at Al-Nassr. He was taken off by Ange Postecoglou at half-time of a Saudi Pro League game back in August, despite his side losing 2-0 and being down to 10 men.