Modric urges Portugal to give Cristiano Ronaldo a proper farewell after squad dispute
Luka Modric said on October 7, 2026 that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a proper send-off from the Portugal national team after the forward left the national team camp following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The split between Ronaldo and Jesus escalated when the Al-Nassr forward released a lengthy statement detailing the dispute, saying the coach broke promises on two occasions. Ronaldo said one of the broken promises involved a pledge to play him for 30 minutes in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Norway; he was reportedly asked to warm up but was not substituted on, and then departed the camp on his private jet.
Media reports quoted in the original account indicate Ronaldo has decided not to return to the Portugal set-up while Jorge Jesus remains in charge, creating serious question marks over his international future. The report also noted Ronaldo has turned 41.
There have been reports that the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is attempting to organise a farewell match for Ronaldo to mark the end of his international career. Modric, described in the report as Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, publicly supported the idea of a formal farewell.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Modric said: “Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of Portugal, and he deserves another farewell and another ending with the national team.” He added: “It’s sad to see this happening to Cristiano in his own country.” Modric continued: “Still, I think they will find a solution, because Cris deserves, whether he retires or decides not to continue with the national team, to have a great farewell that reflects what he deserves.” He concluded: “So, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I hope the situation gets resolved.”
Ronaldo has reiterated in his statement that he has not retired from international duty and that he remains available for selection after serving whatever punishment is meted out to him for prematurely leaving the national team camp.
