Cristiano Ronaldo can still return to the Portugal national team, according to head coach Jorge Jesus, but the 41-year-old captain is the one who will decide whether he does.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s Nations League camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and then learning he would not start against Denmark either. He had been told in Norway that he may or may not come on, and was apparently angered at being made to warm up during the second half only to remain on the bench. It was the first time the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had been an unused substitute for his country in a competitive game since 2008.
After leaving the camp, Ronaldo wrote on social media: “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
Jesus had said he planned to discuss the matter after the last of Portugal’s four Nations League games, against Norway on Sunday, and a 2-1 victory sealed a place in the last eight for the defending champions. The coach, who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, then addressed the forward’s situation.
“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. Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it. 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’s record with Portugal stands at 146 goals in 234 appearances, both world records, and he has helped the country win Euro 2016 and two Nations Leagues. He is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Sunday win over Norway left Portugal six points clear of second-placed Denmark in the Group A4 table, and Ronaldo’s team-mates were keen to leave the door open for him. Goalscorer Joao Cancelo told RTP: “Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had. Things will certainly end in the best way [with him] but the important thing is the four victories.” Nuno Mendes added: “Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms.”
Portugal host Denmark in their next Group A4 tie on 14 November, before visiting Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s last outing for Portugal was the 1-0 opening-game win over Wales in Lisbon, one of three matches he has missed since. In his absence, AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three of his starts for the side.