Porto president André Villas-Boas spoke to the media during an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Chaves Porto Supporters Club. He addressed the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal national team training camp, stating that the coach's decisions should be respected, but Ronaldo's story with the Portuguese national team cannot end this way. He expressed hope that the Portuguese Football Federation would resolve the matter appropriately.

Mr. President, the Estádio do Dragão will host Portugal's final match during this international break. As president of FC Porto and a Portuguese citizen, what is your view on the controversy surrounding the national team and Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the training camp?

Indeed, I believe no Portuguese person would be indifferent to what happened. First and foremost, I think the coach has the final say, regardless of whether his reasons for making these decisions are well-founded. From a player's perspective, some decisions are truly difficult to understand—sometimes easier, sometimes harder. But the coach is in charge; he has the final say on all decisions. This should be the case for clubs, and it should be the case for the national team.

Of course, given Cristiano Ronaldo's stature and all his contributions to this country and to the Portuguese national team, his story with Portugal cannot end this way. Therefore, I hope the officials at the Portuguese Football Federation will resolve this matter appropriately, especially President Pedro Proença. I hope they can find a good solution.

The entire country is watching this matter, and it's understandable that people have different reactions and various opinions. Ronaldo has given so much to this country and to the Portuguese national team. His personal influence and the value he has brought to Portugal are incredibly precious. I sincerely hope this matter can be resolved appropriately.

In any case, the coach must be in charge of the dressing room, and the coach must always have the final say. Players must accept the coach's decisions, regardless of when the coach makes them and regardless of whether the decision is favourable to them. This is how a club should operate, and this is how a national team should operate.

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