Portugal boss gives update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s national team future after leaving squad

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo will decide whether he returns to the national team following his recent departure from camp.

Ronaldo left the Portugal setup during the latest international window and said he would explain the reasons behind his decision “in time”.

Jesus has now made clear the door remains open for the 41-year-old, but says the final decision will rest with the forward.

“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said.

“We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.”

The Portugal boss also reiterated how important he believes Ronaldo remains to the group, regardless of whether he is playing.

“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.”