Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he wants to, Trybal News reports.
The 41 year old captain left Portugal’s Nations League camp after he was an unused substitute against Norway. He then learned that he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. Both figures remain world records for international football.
After leaving the camp, the Al Nassr forward wrote on social media: “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
Jesus had said he would address the situation after Portugal’s final Nations League game against Norway on Sunday. Portugal won 2-1 to secure a place in the last eight as defending champions.
Jorge Jesus says Ronaldo will decide his future
Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, insists the veteran forward still has a place in his plans.
“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.
“We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.
“Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it.
“In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you’. And now I’m saying the same thing.”
Portugal will host Denmark in their next Group A4 match on 14 November. They will then travel to Wales three days later.
Ronaldo started the 1 0 opening game win over Wales. However, Jesus named him among the substitutes for the Norway match and said he might or might not come on.
Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy after being sent to warm up during the second half without eventually entering the game. It was the first time since 2008 that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had remained an unused substitute for Portugal in a competitive match.
When Jesus later confirmed that Ronaldo would also not start against Denmark, the veteran forward left the camp.
AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has taken advantage of Ronaldo’s absence. He has scored in all three games he has started without the Portugal captain.
After Sunday’s win over Norway, Portugal moved six points clear of second placed Denmark. Goalscorer Joao Cancelo told RTP: “Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had.
“Things will certainly end in the best way [with him] but the important thing is the four victories.”
Portugal defender Nuno Mendes also welcomed the possibility of Ronaldo returning.
“Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms.”
Ronaldo remains one of football’s greatest players. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and helped Portugal lift Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
For now, Jesus has made his position clear. The decision over Ronaldo’s international future will remain with the Portugal captain himself.
