Ronaldo wanted back by Portugal despite disciplinary proceedings over camp exit

Portugal want Cristiano Ronaldo back despite opening disciplinary proceedings against the captain over his departure from the national team camp. Ronaldo has apologised and remains available for selection, with his punishment yet to be decided.

In Short

• Portugal want Cristiano Ronaldo back despite disciplinary proceedings
• Ronaldo apologised for leaving teammates and failing to acknowledge supporters
• The Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary committee will decide his fate

Portugal want Cristiano Ronaldo back in the national team despite opening disciplinary proceedings against the veteran forward following his departure from the squad's camp ahead of their Nations League match against Denmark.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed that disciplinary action is being pursued against the 41-year-old, who left the team's base in Copenhagen last week following a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the side.

However, FPF president Pedro Proenca has indicated that there is a collective desire within the national team setup to welcome Ronaldo back once the matter is resolved. The outcome of the disciplinary process will be decided by the federation's independent Disciplinary Committee.

PORTUGAL WANT RONALDO BACK

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the FPF confirmed that proceedings had been initiated against Ronaldo and that the case had been given urgent status.

"Without prejudice to the automatic preventive suspension to which he was subject until the date of initiation, a non-automatic preventive suspension of the player was determined, and the proceedings were given urgent status," the federation was quoted as saying.

Despite the disciplinary action, Proenca stressed that the federation, the coaching staff and the players all wanted the captain to return to the national team.

"The Portuguese Football Federation and its president, in this spirit of tranquility, speaking with all parties, who have already publicly demonstrated their desire to have the captain back with us, there is an expressed wish from everyone," Proenca was quoted as saying by A Bola.

"This includes the federation, the FPF president, the national team coach, the captain and the players."

Proenca also made it clear that the federation's leadership would not determine the punishment, leaving that responsibility to the independent disciplinary body.

"That will depend solely on the Disciplinary Committee, which is an autonomous body, and it will do its job," he added.

RIFT WITH JESUS

Ronaldo's departure came after he was left unused in Portugal's match against Norway. The forward reportedly accused Jesus of breaking his word twice regarding his role in the team, leading to tensions between the two.

Portugal went on to secure a 2-1 victory, with Jesus denying that he had made any agreement with the player. The coach, however, left the door open for Ronaldo's return.

The episode has raised questions about Ronaldo's immediate future with the national team, although the federation's latest comments suggest that his relationship with Portugal's wider setup has not been irreparably damaged.

RONALDO APOLOGISES

Ronaldo addressed the controversy on Tuesday, apologising for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates.

The veteran forward also reaffirmed his availability for national selection, saying he would remain ready to represent Portugal after serving any punishment arising from the incident.

With the disciplinary process still ongoing, Ronaldo's return will depend on the committee's decision. For now, Portugal's public stance is clear: the federation wants its captain back, even as it allows the disciplinary process to run its course.

- Ends