Cristiano Ronaldo's tumultuous relationship with Portugal's national team may be heading towards an unexpected reconciliation. Reports suggest the veteran forward could return for one final international chapter as he closes in on the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Ronaldo's future with Portugal appeared uncertain after he dramatically left the national-team camp following a disagreement with new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo's departure came after he was an unused substitute during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway. The situation escalated after the match, leading to an emergency meeting involving Ronaldo, Jesus, and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. Although the meeting initially eased tensions, Jesus reiterated that he would remain in control of team selection, leading Ronaldo to leave the camp and travel to Madrid.
Portuguese journalist Miguel Pereira believes bridges are being built between Ronaldo's camp, Jesus, and the Portuguese Football Federation. Pereira suggests that discussions between the parties may already be repairing the relationship. He believes Ronaldo could return to the national team for what may effectively become his international farewell.
Portugal has continued without Ronaldo, producing a convincing 4-2 victory over Denmark. The result demonstrated that Portugal possesses enough attacking quality to compete without their long-serving captain. João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, and João Félix got on the scoresheet, giving Jesus backing for his decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting XI.
Ronaldo's potential return would be motivated by his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. Pereira claims Ronaldo is determined to reach the landmark and would like to celebrate the achievement while representing Portugal. Ronaldo needs 21 goals to reach the milestone and had hoped to score the remaining goals during his club campaign with Al-Nassr before completing the achievement with Portugal.
The idea of Ronaldo reaching 1,000 goals with Portugal would allow him to turn the milestone into a major celebration involving the country where his international career began. Pereira compared Ronaldo's ambition to Pelé's famous celebration surrounding his own 1,000th career goal. Ronaldo's return would also come after Portugal made a significant decision in his absence, with Rafael Leão wearing Portugal's iconic No. 7 shirt during the victory over Denmark.
If Pereira's prediction proves correct, Leão's temporary use of the shirt may not necessarily represent the end of Ronaldo's association with Portugal. A return for one final campaign could see Ronaldo once again take centre stage for the national team. The possibility adds another layer to the ongoing saga, with Portugal potentially finding a place for Ronaldo when the circumstances are right.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo may return to Portugal's national team for a final international chapter.
- Ronaldo is reportedly keen to reach the 1,000-goal milestone with Portugal.
- Portugal's victory over Denmark without Ronaldo demonstrated the team's ability to compete without their long-serving captain.
