Cristiano Ronaldo can return to Portugal team if he wants, says Jesus

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said on Sunday that Cristiano Ronaldo would be eligible for future national-team call-ups if the forward wants to return, after Ronaldo left the Portugal camp midweek following a disagreement over selection. Jesus told reporters that the decision would be Ronaldo’s to make and that the pair could speak before the next call-up if the player wished. The comments came after Portugal qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals by beating Norway 2-1. Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead with a long-range strike, Joao Cancelo levelled, and Goncalo Ramos clinched the victory in the 86th minute. Ronaldo did not feature in that match. Ronaldo was substituted in Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales on September 24 and was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win at Norway on September 27. After being told he would again be on the bench for the Denmark fixture, he flew privately back to Saudi Arabia; Portugal then beat Denmark 4-2 on Thursday amid ongoing speculation about his international future. Jesus, who succeeded Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup, reiterated that Ronaldo is a national symbol and said he had previously told the forward he wanted him close to the squad regardless of playing time. Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal in 2003 at age 18 and has appeared at six World Cups, has indicated this will likely be his final year in football. Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 and finish their Nations League group in Wales on November 17.