Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has signalled that Cristiano Ronaldo's international career may not be over, leaving the door open for the veteran forward to rejoin the national squad following a turbulent week. The comments came after Portugal wrapped up Sunday's Nations League fixture against Norway with a 2-1 win, their second consecutive victory without Ronaldo and enough to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Jesus' statement has sparked speculation about Ronaldo's future with the national team.
The drama began on 30 September when Ronaldo departed the Portugal training camp after being informed he would not be selected to start against Denmark. This was the second time in a row the forward had been left on the bench, having also missed the starting line-up for the earlier Norway fixture. Despite the controversy, Portugal thrived in his absence, beating Denmark 4-2 before following it up with Sunday's win.
Jesus described the fallout as a misunderstanding, framing the situation as something that could still be resolved. He stated that if Ronaldo is playing and wants to be with the national team, he can return whenever he wants. Jesus emphasized that the decision to return rests entirely with Ronaldo, leaving the door open for a potential comeback.
The Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has also thrown his weight behind the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, confirming Ronaldo remains part of the national setup's plans going forward. Proença's comments echo Jesus' sentiments, suggesting that Ronaldo's international career is not over yet.
Portugal's next Nations League fixtures are scheduled for November, giving both parties time to reflect on their decisions. Ronaldo's future with the national team remains uncertain, with Jesus and Proença's comments leaving the door open for a potential return.
Bruno Fernandes, a teammate of Ronaldo's, sent a message to the veteran forward, urging supporters not to let the dispute divide the team. Fernandes called Ronaldo the country's greatest footballing figure, highlighting his importance to the team and the nation.
The situation has sparked a heated debate about Ronaldo's role in the national team, with some questioning his ability to continue playing at a high level. However, with Jesus and Proença's comments, it seems that Ronaldo's international career may not be over yet, and a potential return to the national team cannot be ruled out.
Key points
- Portugal coach Jorge Jesus leaves door open for Cristiano Ronaldo's return to national team
- Ronaldo departed Portugal training camp after being told he would not start against Denmark
- Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença confirms Ronaldo remains part of national team's plans
