According to Portuguese outlet Record, Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença remains confident in a reconciliation between Cristiano Ronaldo and the national team head coach. Due to Ronaldo proactively admitting fault, his suspension could be halved, and the FPF hopes Ronaldo can return to the squad next March.
The report notes that FPF president Pedro Proença reacted to Ronaldo's statement with calm and confidence. In the statement, Ronaldo accused national team head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, which had prompted his departure from the squad's training camp in Denmark.
Ronaldo expressed remorse and issued an apology to the Portuguese public and his teammates. The Portuguese captain considered the current circumstances to have "constituted aggravating factors" and acknowledged that his conduct “should be evaluated and penalized.”
Record understands that this matter will very likely be finalized during tomorrow's Disciplinary Committee meeting, where the specific sanction will be established. Given Ronaldo's proactive admission of fault, regulations allow for his suspension to be reduced by half. That means a maximum ban of six months would become three months, while a minimum ban of one month would be reduced to 15 days.
Ronaldo has clearly expressed his desire to return to the national team. Consequently, Proença is fully confident of brokering a reconciliation between the player and the national team boss. This would not only clear the way for him to rejoin the squad in March for the UEFA Nations League finals, but also thoroughly quell all controversy.
Jorge Jesus provided only a very brief response: "I am going to work at the federation and focus on the team and the national side," refraining from further comment. Proença opted to maintain silence to soothe tensions and prevent escalating conflict, remaining convinced that he can broker peace between the two men.
On the other hand, Ange Postecoglou, Ronaldo's head coach at Al Nassr, stated that Ronaldo "is in very good spirits and ready to play tomorrow."
