Jorge Jesus Says Cristiano Ronaldo Will Decide Portugal Return
Portugal have secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Norway, but the immediate question surrounding the holders is whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be involved when the squad reconvenes in November.
Head coach Jorge Jesus said the 41-year-old striker alone will determine whether he returns to international duty after leaving the camp earlier in the group campaign. Jesus had delayed addressing the issue until Portugal completed their four-match Nations League run, which ended with four wins and a six-point advantage over Denmark at the top of Group A4.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s record scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, began the opening 1-0 win against Wales. He was then left among the substitutes for the Norway match and was told beforehand that he might not be used. The Al-Nassr forward warmed up throughout the second half but did not enter the game, his first unused-substitute appearance in a competitive Portugal fixture since 2008.
The dispute escalated when Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would not be in the starting side against Denmark. Portugal’s captain subsequently departed the camp, later saying that he would explain to the Portuguese public why he had left a national team he had always served with commitment.
Jesus leaves the choice with Ronaldo
Jesus, who worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, maintained that he still wants the forward around the squad regardless of whether he starts matches. He said discussions could take place before the next selection, but stressed that Ronaldo should decide the timing and manner of his international farewell himself.
The manager said he had made the same point at his first Portugal squad announcement: that he needed Ronaldo close to the group, whether he was playing or not. The decision on a comeback, however, remains with the captain.
Ronaldo’s absence has opened a productive run for Goncalo Ramos. The AC Milan forward has scored in each of his three starts while operating as Portugal’s central striker, yet the squad has publicly backed its long-serving leader. Ronaldo captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and has also lifted two Nations League trophies with the country.
Joao Cancelo, who scored in the win over Norway, described Ronaldo as Portugal’s captain and the greatest player the country has produced. He said the situation would be resolved in the right way, while emphasising the importance of the four consecutive victories.
Nuno Mendes also said Ronaldo would be welcomed back by the group, adding that any player called into the national side is received positively and that the squad would greet “Cris” with open arms should he return.
Portugal next host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later. With knockout qualification already assured, attention will shift to whether Jesus and Ronaldo can settle their differences before the next call-up, or whether the Nations League champions will continue their defence without their captain.
