Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, has cast doubt on the forward’s international future, suggesting he may not return to Portugal’s national team following his dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Aveiro made the remarks when asked whether her brother would represent Portugal again, amid tensions following his departure from the national team’s training camp during the recent international break.
“It’s more likely a NO than a YES. I think they’re both hurt. The situation has stalled,” she said.
“When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal.”
The controversy began after Ronaldo was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27. The 41-year-old subsequently left the team’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of the match against Denmark.
Ronaldo later accused Jesus of breaking his word over an agreement concerning his playing time, describing the situation as a breach of trust. He also apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp, accepting responsibility for his actions.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings and provisionally suspended the captain while the matter was being considered. <Cite refs={[“turn724665news24″,”turn724665search3”]}/>
Despite the dispute, Ronaldo has maintained that he remains available for national-team selection after serving any punishment imposed on him.
Portugal’s football federation president, Pedro Proença, has also expressed a desire to see the forward return once the situation is resolved. <Cite refs={[“turn724665search3″,”turn724665search10”]}/>
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
Although Aveiro’s comments suggest uncertainty over his international future, no official retirement announcement has been made.
