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Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), has addressed the ongoing fallout involving Cristiano Ronaldo after the veteran forward walked out on the national team following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.

"I am not going to offer explanations about what occurred; that is strictly between the manager and the player," Proença said, as reported by Portuguese publication A Bola. "These are technical and dressing-room matters, and the federation president does not intervene in such issues. We are talking about the greatest player of all time—someone who has devoted more than two decades to Portuguese football. Ronaldo stands today as the ultimate symbol of our national identity, and we must pay tribute to Cristiano.

"His inclusion in the national squad has always been earned on sporting merit, which remains indisputable. He will always have a place in this side as long as his performance levels warrant it. Cristiano knows this and understands the situation. Regarding this specific episode, let me make clear that we are dealing with a misunderstanding that must be resolved internally within the camp.

"Ronaldo is an icon for our nation—an extraordinary talent who could easily have drawn the curtain on his international career at the World Cup, yet chose not to because of his deep love for the Seleção. I am a direct witness to the bond that connects him to the Portuguese people and to our national team.

"Let us be frank: Ronaldo could have walked away from international football a long time ago. The reason he remains is rooted in goodwill, mutual respect, and profound personal pride."