Legendary Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has expressed his sadness at the situation surrounding former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward left the national team camp last week over a falling out with head coach Jorge Jesus, sparking reactions from all over.
Modric urged all of the parties involved in the situation to ensure that Ronaldo does not end his international career on these terms, as he deserves a fitting, dignified farewell rather than a turbulent media storm.
'It's Sad to See This Happening': Modric Shares Feelings on Ronaldo Situation
Former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric expressed deep empathy for Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward's explosive walkout from the Portugal national team camp.
The AC Milan midfielder spoke with reporters after he featured for Croatia in their UEFA Nations League games in this window.
Modric lamented the treatment of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back home, stating that he hopes that the situation gets resolved one way or another.
"Cristiano is the greatest player in the history of Portugal, and he deserves another farewell and another ending with the national team. It’s sad to see this happening to Cristiano in his own country.
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. So, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I hope the situation gets resolved," he said.
Ahead of Portugal facing Denmark, Cristiano Ronaldo left the camp in Copenhagen after what he deemed to have been a betrayal from national team coach Jorge Jesus in the previous game against Norway.
He has since returned to Al-Nassr, where he will take to the pitch once more after the international break.
'It's Not Over': Cristiano Ronaldo Opens Door to National Team Return
Cristiano Ronaldo has shut down speculation that he has decided never to wear the national team shirt for Portugal again.
In a bombshell statement released via his social media, the veteran forward provided a clear insight into what had transpired between him and the coach that led him to decide to leave the camp.
He pointed out that he is willing to return to the team for one or more matches, as the Portuguese Football Federation want him to have a befitting farewell.
"...In this regard, I have heard a lot of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell, and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity.
I learned in life, going hungry and with nothing to eat, that nobody gives anything to anybody.
I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all the Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that," he wrote.
Jorge Jesus spoke earlier about keeping the door open for the veteran forward to rejoin the team, and he could be in the squad for next month's games against Denmark and Wales.
