Portugal boss opens door for Cristiano Ronaldo return after controversial walk-out
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo would be welcomed back to resume his international career following his decision to walk away from the squad last week.
The Al Nassr forward, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, left the team after remaining an unused substitute during a 2-1 Nations League victory away to Norway on 27 September.
The dispute threatened to end his time with the national side, with the 41-year-old promising to "tell the truth" about the situation in due course.
However, following Sunday’s 2-1 home victory against Norway, Jesus stated during his press conference: "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.
"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."
Ronaldo had featured from the start in Portugal’s opening Nations League win over Wales, but being left on the bench in Oslo sparked a public disagreement.
Jesus subsequently tried to dismiss reports of a rift or emergency talks, which had emerged following an unannounced visit from Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
Despite those efforts, Ronaldo published a statement on Instagram to confirm his departure from the squad, placing his international future in doubt.
"After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp," Ronaldo wrote.
"In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.
"Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception."
In his absence, Jesus saw Portugal react strongly, earning a 4-2 win in Denmark before wrapping up the international break with their home victory against Norway. The results keep them top of Group Four with a maximum 12 points from 12.
