Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo, the record goalscorer who walked out of the squad mid-tournament, remains welcome to return whenever he chooses. The saga began when Ronaldo, who started Portugal's opening Group A4 match against Wales, was left as an unused substitute against Norway. This was reportedly the first time since 2008 that the 41-year-old had been an unused substitute for his country in a competitive fixture.
Ronaldo's exit from Portugal's camp amid his rift with Jesus was reportedly due to his benching. Before departing, Ronaldo took to social media to address the situation, writing that in due course he would tell the Portuguese public the truth about his reasons for leaving a team to which he said he had always been dedicated. Jesus addressed the matter publicly only after Portugal's final Nations League group game against Norway.
Jesus said that if Ronaldo wanted to, he would return to the national team, adding that the two could talk before the next call-up but that the decision ultimately rested with Ronaldo himself. Jesus said he wanted Cristiano to end his international career on his own terms, and recalled telling the forward during his first call-up as coach that he needed him close, whether playing or not — a sentiment he said still stands.
Portugal have not missed a beat without their captain on the pitch. Sunday's 2-1 victory over Norway secured their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals as defending champions, extending their advantage to six points over second-placed Denmark in the group standings. AC Milan forward Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three starts made in Ronaldo's absence from the team.
Teammates have publicly backed their captain. Goalscorer Joao Cancelo told Portuguese broadcaster RTP that Ronaldo remains Portugal's best-ever player and that, while the four wins mattered most, he believed the situation would end well. Fellow player Nuno Mendes said any player is welcome back to the national team, and that teammates would receive Ronaldo with open arms should he return.
Ronaldo holds both the men's all-time international goalscoring record and the most capped outfield mark for Portugal, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He has previously helped Portugal lift Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles, and is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Portugal's next Group A4 assignment comes on 14 November against Denmark, followed by a trip to face Wales three days later.
Whether Ronaldo features in the upcoming squad remains unresolved, with sources indicating the decision lies with Ronaldo himself. No date has been given for when Ronaldo and Jesus might speak, nor has Ronaldo publicly detailed the reasons he promised to share with Portuguese supporters. The situation has drawn close attention from football fans in Ghana and beyond who follow his career closely.
Key points
- Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can still return to the national team.
- Ronaldo walked out of the squad mid-tournament over a benching row.
- Portugal have secured their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals as defending champions.
