Portugal's football federation president has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo to settle his disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. He described the forward as a key figure for the country and made clear the dispute shouldn't be blown out of proportion. The precise origins of the rift have not been spelled out, which leaves room for speculation on both sides. The federation's preference is for the two men to talk rather than let the row grow through the press. Given Ronaldo's stature in Portuguese football, any friction involving him gets magnified quickly among fans and media. The president's intervention offers the striker a degree of cover while the matter plays out. For now the message is one of de-escalation, with dialogue presented as the way forward.