Croatia captain Luka Modrić has called on Portugal to ensure Cristiano Ronaldo receives the farewell he deserves whenever the veteran forward eventually brings his international career to a close.

Modrić described Ronaldo as the greatest footballer in Portugal’s history and said it would be disappointing if the circumstances surrounding the player’s recent disagreement with the national team overshadowed his extraordinary contribution to Portuguese football.

Speaking about the situation, Modrić said he did not know exactly what had happened between Ronaldo and Portugal, but hoped the matter would be resolved.

The Croatian captain also expressed sympathy for Ronaldo, saying it was unfortunate to see such a situation involving one of the country’s biggest sporting icons.

According to reports, Modrić said Ronaldo deserved “another farewell and another ending” with Portugal, regardless of whether he ultimately decides to continue representing the national team.

The comments come after fresh uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future with Portugal following his departure from the team’s training camp during the recent Nations League international break.

Ronaldo, 41, later explained that his decision followed a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over an agreement concerning his playing time and subsequent comments to the media. He accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters.

However, Ronaldo has since made it clear that he is not retiring from international football. In a statement released on October 6, the Portugal captain said he remains available for selection after serving any punishment that may be imposed on him, provided he remains physically fit and continues performing for his club.

Ronaldo also acknowledged that a farewell with Portugal will eventually happen, saying there would be time for “one or more farewell matches,” but stressed that his immediate priority remains competing for the national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a central figure in Portuguese football for more than two decades. He made his senior international debut in 2003 and has gone on to become the leading goalscorer in men’s international football.

His international achievements include helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. His longevity has also made him one of the most recognisable figures in the history of the sport.

Modrić knows Ronaldo well, having shared the Real Madrid dressing room with him for several successful seasons. The pair also met at international level, including during the 2026 World Cup, when Portugal defeated Croatia 2–1 in the knockout stage.

For now, Ronaldo's international career remains active, meaning any final farewell is still a matter for the future. But Modrić's message underlines the widespread feeling that whenever the Portugal captain eventually says goodbye, it should reflect the enormous impact he has had on the country's football history.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia