Former Portugal international António Simões has called for common sense and tolerance between Cristiano Ronaldo, coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at an event organised by the UNUM Benfica supporters movement, Simões said that all parties involved should meet to establish peace rather than continue an ongoing conflict that makes no sense.
Simões stated that if appropriate conditions exist for Ronaldo to return to the national team, he should be welcomed by everyone rather than just a few. He noted that while supporters and officials do not have to agree with Ronaldo, and added that he personally believes the forward is in the wrong, Ronaldo deserves a dignified send-off if he acknowledges his mistake.
The 82-year-old former winger urged all sides to show restraint and mutual respect to resolve the situation in the best interest of Portuguese football. Simões was a key member of Portugal's famous 1966 World Cup squad, which achieved the nation's best ever tournament finish by placing third in England.
Managing Ronaldo's role in the national team
Addressing Ronaldo's role on the pitch, Simões expressed doubts over whether the 41-year-old forward can still provide significant added value to the national side. He emphasized that being a true added value requires much more than simply being useful during a match.
Simões argued that managing Ronaldo's playing time is a responsibility that rests entirely with the head coach. He remarked that while Ronaldo's desire to play is not a crime, the veteran forward must accept that he cannot feature in every minute of every game.
According to Simões, a public apology between Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo would set a positive example of civics for the entire country. The former Benfica star pointed out that the national team showed no negative effects during Ronaldo's absence, playing well and securing victory without him.
Simões clarified that demonstrating the team can win without Ronaldo does not mean the forward should be excluded entirely. However, he argued that Ronaldo can remain useful without being guaranteed a starting position or playing 90 minutes, criticising the heavy workload given to Ronaldo under former Portugal manager Roberto Martínez as senseless.
Comparisons with football legends Eusébio, Pelé and Messi
Simões accused Ronaldo of placing his personal ambitions above the interests of the national team for an extended period. He urged the captain to abandon that mindset so he can conclude his international career gracefully, drawing a comparison to Lionel Messi, who is scheduled to bid farewell to the Argentine national team on Tuesday.
Defending the authority of the manager, Simões stressed that Jorge Jesus has every right to substitute Ronaldo or bring him on to warm up for any duration, whether for one minute or 30 minutes. He recalled growing up in football with a strict culture of respect for older teammates and coaching staff.
The former international questioned why Ronaldo should receive special privileges that were never demanded by past icons. Simões noted that he played alongside Portuguese legend Eusébio and spent time with global greats including Pelé and Diego Maradona, emphasizing that he had never witnessed such disruption around any footballing figure.
Behind the walkout from the Portugal training camp
The controversy surrounding the national team erupted on September 30, when Ronaldo abruptly abandoned Portugal's training camp ahead of UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixtures against Denmark and Norway.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo defended his departure in a detailed letter explaining the circumstances behind his exit. In the document, which was obtained by news agency Lusa, the Madeira-born forward accused head coach Jorge Jesus of a breach of trust, claiming the manager had broken his word on two separate occasions.
Before leaving the squad, Ronaldo had started in Portugal's opening Nations League fixture on September 24, a 1-0 home victory against Wales. However, three days later, he was left as an unused substitute during Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo.
Following the match in Oslo, Ronaldo left the pitch visibly dissatisfied and chose not to join his teammates in applauding the travelling Portuguese supporters. After Jesus held a press conference on September 30 to preview the upcoming fixture against Denmark, Ronaldo left the team base and boarded his private jet to Madrid.
