Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome in the national team, leaving the door open for the 41-year-old captain to return after his abrupt departure from the squad last week.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being an unused substitute in the team’s victory over Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner later said on social media that he would explain his decision to leave the squad “in due course”.
Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, Jesus said the decision on Ronaldo’s return would ultimately rest with the veteran forward.
Jesus said he had made it clear to Ronaldo when he received his first call-up that he wanted him close to the team, regardless of whether he was playing.
Portugal, the defending Nations League champions, defeated Denmark 4-2 without Ronaldo before beating Norway to maintain a perfect record in Group A4 and secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca also said Ronaldo remains part of the team’s plans, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that should be resolved internally.
Proenca said Ronaldo’s place in the national team is based on sporting merit and paid tribute to his contribution to Portuguese football.
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, expects the forward to be available for the next international window should he decide to return.
Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on 14 November before travelling to face Wales three days later.