Ronaldo handed Portugal return lifeline after squad exit
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update on Ronaldo’s situation following his departure from the Portugal camp.
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal squad after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the door remains open for the veteran forward.
By Robert Mutasi
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal squad after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the door remains open for the veteran forward.
The 41-year-old left the national team camp during the current international break after starting Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales on September 24.
Ronaldo played for 67 minutes in the match but failed to score. He then remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway before leaving the stadium visibly frustrated.
His departure from the squad raised questions about his future with the national team.
Ronaldo has not publicly explained why he left Portugal’s camp. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would reveal his reasons at a later date.
“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,” Ronaldo said.
Jorge Jesus leaves decision to Ronaldo
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, said the veteran will decide whether he wants to continue representing Portugal.
“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said.
The Portugal coach said he would speak to Ronaldo before the next squad selection but insisted that the final decision belongs to the player.
“We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide,” Jesus said.
He also backed Ronaldo to determine how he wants to bring his international career to an end.
“Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants. He’s the one who will decide how he wants it,” Jesus added.
Jesus has previously made clear that he values Ronaldo’s presence in the squad, whether the forward starts matches or plays a supporting role.
“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,” Jesus said.
No emergency meeting, Romano says
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update on Ronaldo’s situation following his departure from the Portugal camp.
Romano dismissed reports that Ronaldo, the Portuguese Football Federation and Jesus held an emergency face-to-face meeting over the player’s future.
“Cristiano, in a very respectful way, decided not to make any further comments after the statement released on Wednesday about his situation with the Portuguese national team,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
According to Romano, Ronaldo left the national team camp on Wednesday afternoon before returning to Saudi Arabia after spending several days in Madrid.
He said Ronaldo deliberately avoided further public comments during the international break to show respect for Portugal and the national team.
“Cristiano wanted to once again respect his country and his national team by not commenting on anything else before the end of the international break because there are games and he loves Portugal, as he always shows,” Romano said.
Ronaldo’s future with Portugal will now remain a major talking point ahead of the next international break.
Despite his advancing age, the forward remains one of the most important figures in Portuguese football history. His next decision could determine whether he continues his record-breaking international career or begins preparing for his final farewell.
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