Portugal has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team after his sudden departure from camp. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo can return if he wants to. The coach also said Ronaldo himself will decide his international future. The comments came after Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in the Nations League. Ronaldo was not involved in the match.
Ronaldo’s return remains possible
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp last week. He had been an unused substitute during the team’s win over Norway. He also learned that he would not start against Denmark. The decision appeared to play a role in his departure from the squad. Ronaldo later said he would explain his reasons for leaving at a later time. He did not provide further details immediately. Jesus has now made clear that the door remains open for the veteran forward.
The Portugal coach said Ronaldo could return before the next international call-up. He also stressed that the decision belongs to the player. Jesus has previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. He also called for Ronaldo to remain close to the team. The coach said he needs Ronaldo whether he plays or remains on the bench. His latest comments suggest Portugal still values his experience.
Federation also supports Ronaldo
The Portuguese Football Federation has also backed Ronaldo’s continued involvement. Federation president Pedro Proenca said Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans. He described the recent situation as a misunderstanding. Proenca also said the issue should be resolved internally. He stressed that Ronaldo’s place should depend on sporting merit. The comments provide further support for a possible return. They also show that Portugal has not closed the door on its captain.
The situation has attracted major attention because of Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal. He remains the country’s record international goalscorer. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He is also the nation’s most-capped player. His experience remains valuable to the team despite his age. Ronaldo is now 41 and remains a major figure in Portuguese football.
Portugal continues without Ronaldo
Portugal has already shown it can win without its captain. The European champions defeated Denmark 4-2 without Ronaldo. They then secured another victory against Norway. Those results helped Portugal maintain a perfect record in Nations League Group A4. The team also secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. However, the latest comments keep the possibility of Ronaldo’s return alive. After the recent disagreement. The final decision will now rest with Ronaldo.
Portugal expects to host Denmark on November 14. The team will then travel to Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s availability for the next international window could become a key talking point. Jesus expects him to be available if he chooses to return. For now, Portugal has not announced a final decision about Ronaldo’s future. The coach and federation have instead left the option open. The next international call-up could therefore provide a clearer picture. Ronaldo will ultimately decide whether he wants to continue representing Portugal.
As both sides leave the next step to the veteran forward.
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