Portugal: ‘Every football fan is sad for Ronaldo’ – Ex-Barça star laments treatment

Former Barcelona player, Miralem Pjanic has said that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a more dignified end to his career following his unexpected departure from the Portugal national team training camp.

Following a disagreement with head coach, Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo departed from the Portugal national team training facility a day before Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.

He boarded his private aircraft to Madrid as he exited the team’s training base in Malmö.

Miralem Pjanic, one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammates, offered his perspective on the Portuguese superstar’s surprising withdrawal from the training camp.

He stated, via ABOLA: “Every football fan feels sad for Cristiano Ronaldo; he deserves better. We want him to have a farewell befitting a player of his stature. He is one of the greatest players of all time.

“For all of us who love football, it’s a little sad to see what’s going on [between Ronaldo and the national team]. You can’t blame either the coach or the player.

“Naturally, I am familiar with Cristiano. He possesses exceptional competitive drive. He does not consider age a limiting factor; rather, he relies on his personal assessment. He consistently views himself as a player prepared to compete at any moment.

“However, perhaps the coach holds a different perspective, and we must acknowledge that viewpoint. I would not characterise this as being attributable to one individual or the other.”

Ronaldo has reportedly already returned to Saudi Arabia to rejoin his Al-Nassr teammates. Consequently, an immediate resolution appears improbable, and uncertainty surrounds his continued involvement with the Portugal national team.

Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in their last UEFA Nations League fixture of the international break.

The Selecao now have 12 points following victories in all four of their matches.