Portugal president: 'We want Ronaldo back' despite urgent disciplinary probe over camp exit

Proença signals Ronaldo's return

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has confirmed that Portugal want Cristiano Ronaldo back for the November international window, despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation into the captain's abrupt departure from camp during the October break.

"The federation, the coach and all of Ronaldo's teammates are of one mind, we want Ronaldo back," Proença said.

Proença expects the 40-year-old to feature in next month's fixtures and offered his own verdict on the player's legacy.

"I expect Ronaldo to return during the international break next November, and he is also eager to return, he is the best player of all time," he added.

How the dispute unfolded

The interview follows Ronaldo's sudden exit from Portugal's training camp during the October international break, after a dispute involving head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word and giving a false account of the events leading to his departure.

The Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary council has opened proceedings, classified the case as "urgent" and imposed a provisional, non-automatic suspension while its investigation continues.

Ronaldo's own account

In a 1,740-word statement explaining his departure, Ronaldo said he had no intention of retiring from international football and hoped to be granted "one or more farewell matches." He remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals since 2003.

Nations League picture

Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their opening four matches to reach 12 points atop their group. They host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales three days later, with Ronaldo's availability hinging on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and any final sanction.