Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome in the national team, despite the forward’s recent departure from the squad amid tensions over his playing time.
Jesus made the remarks after Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on Sunday to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League. He said Ronaldo would be eligible for the next international call-up if he wants to return.
“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, 41, left Portugal’s training camp after being left on the bench during the team’s victory over Norway and subsequently learning that he would not start against Denmark. He has since indicated that he would explain his decision to leave the camp at a later time.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal went on to defeat Denmark 4-2 and Norway 2-1, maintaining a perfect record in their Nations League group and securing a place in the quarter-finals.
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, stressed that the veteran forward should have the final say on how he wants to continue or end his international career.
“Cristiano should end his time with the national team the way he wants; he’s the one who will decide how he wants it,” the coach said.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances. Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
