Portugal: Medhi Benatia takes a stand on Cristiano Ronaldo

With his future with the Seleção more uncertain than ever, Cristiano Ronaldo has received strong support from Medhi Benatia.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portugal camp continues to generate significant discussion. Having remained on the bench throughout the 2-1 victory over Norway, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner then left the squad in Copenhagen, a few hours after Jorge Jesus made another public statement.

The Portuguese manager had reiterated at a press conference that he alone was responsible for his sporting decisions. Shortly afterwards, Ronaldo left the camp before heading to his private jet, an episode that caused a genuine shockwave around the Seleção.

Benatia hopes Ronaldo’s story will have a different ending

Former Juventus teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Medhi Benatia felt compelled to respond to the situation. The Canal+ consultant does not want this episode to be CR7’s final image with his country.

“I hope we see Cristiano Ronaldo back with the national team and that he gets the ending he deserves.”

A brief statement, but one loaded with meaning in a context where the Portuguese forward’s international future is now at the center of widespread uncertainty. Ronaldo himself had confirmed his departure from the camp, while promising to return later to the reasons behind his decision.

A crisis that has become a national issue in Portugal

The situation has taken on considerable proportions in the country. Jorge Jesus, for his part, chose to play for time, explaining that he would speak at greater length once this international window was over.

For Benatia, the issue now goes beyond a simple sporting disagreement. His message mainly reflects the wish to see the story between Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team end in a way more befitting the player’s stature in the history of the Seleção.

As speculation mounts over a possible international retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to make any definitive announcement. Portugal therefore remains on tenterhooks awaiting the next statements from its captain and manager.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.