Portugal head coach, Jorge Jesus, has said Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome in the national team despite the captain’s abrupt departure from the squad during the ongoing UEFA Nations League campaign.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after being dropped to the bench for the 2-1 victory over Norway, having started the team’s opening 1-0 win against Wales.
The 41-year-old was reportedly frustrated after spending the second half warming up against Norway without being introduced.
Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said the decision on whether the veteran forward returns to the national team rests with the player himself.
“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.
“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.”
The situation escalated after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, prompting the captain to leave the camp.
Ronaldo later said on social media that he would explain his reasons for leaving the national team at a later date.
Despite his absence, Portugal maintained their perfect run in the group with a 2-1 win over Norway, securing a place in the quarter-finals and moving six points clear of Denmark at the top of Group A4.
Ronaldo’s absence has also provided an opportunity for Goncalo Ramos, who has scored in all three of his starts while leading Portugal’s attack.
However, teammates Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes have both expressed their support for the veteran captain.
“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,” Cancelo said.
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 will return to Nations League action on November 14 when they host Denmark before travelling to face Wales three days later.
