Porto inauguration: Proença hopes for Ronaldo comeback despite ban
At the stadium inauguration in Porto on Saturday, Portuguese association president Pedro Proença spoke about the current situation of star Cristiano Ronaldo. The president emphasized that he expects a swift comeback of the national‑team superstar, although media report a provisional suspension. The announcement was made before journalists who were following the events live.
Provisional Suspension and President's Comment
After his departure from the national‑team camp, Ronaldo is said to have been provisionally suspended by the association, according to several media outlets. The Portuguese daily A Bola also confirmed the provisional suspension, while a final ruling by the disciplinary commission is still pending. Proença stated that further action depends solely on the autonomous commission.
“The association, the coach, all teammates are in agreement: Everyone wants Cristiano back. I expect him already during the international break in November,” Proença told journalists. In his statement he emphasized that the whole team stands behind the comeback and that the suspension does not mean the end of Ronaldo’s international career.
The president added: “It depends solely on the disciplinary commission, which as an autonomous body will carry out the work.” With this he made clear that the decision on a possible sanction is still pending and the proceedings are ongoing.
After his premature departure from the camp, Ronaldo had already caused a stir, because he was not fielded in the Nations League first leg against Norway, which Portugal won 2:1. Coach Jorge Jesus responded publicly to the incident and accused the player of breaking his word, which further fueled the discussion about Ronaldo’s future in the team.
Ronaldo himself had admitted in a statement that he expected a suspension, but emphasized that he would be available to the team again after a possible penalty. His stance underscores that, despite the case, he is ready to return as soon as the disciplinary commission delivers its verdict.
Ronaldo Records and Portugal Successes
The former striker star of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus Turin has played 234 international matches for Portugal, scoring 146 goals – both record figures in international football. These impressive statistics make him one of the country’s greatest superstars.
Portugal, defending champion of the Nations League, won all four matches in the past two turbulent weeks and is already in the quarter‑finals. Despite the scandal surrounding the star, the team remains strong, and the hope for Ronaldo’s return remains a central theme in Portuguese football.