Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s national team after being benched, with coach Jorge Jesus saying the door remains open for his return.
Jesus told reporters after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday that Ronaldo, 41, could rejoin the squad if he chooses. “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,” Jesus said . Ronaldo had departed the squad after being an unused substitute in a win over Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark.
Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca also stated Ronaldo remains part of the team’s plans, calling the episode a misunderstanding to be resolved internally. “He is in the national team on sporting merit, and that must be unquestionable,” Proenca told RTP .
Portugal secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals with Sunday’s victory, maintaining a perfect record in Group A4. Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, expects the forward to be available for the next international window if he wants to return . Portugal next host Denmark on Nov. 14 before visiting Wales three days later.
