Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Portugal national team during the next international break, but stressed that the final decision now rests entirely with the team’s captain.
Jesus spoke following Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway—their fourth consecutive UEFA Nations League win, which secured their qualification for the quarter-finals.
“I don’t know what will happen, but for me, all possibilities are open. If Cristiano is playing for Al Nassr and wants to return to the national team, he can come back whenever he wishes,” the Portuguese manager said.
He added: “He will be eligible for selection in the next international window if he wants to return. It is his decision, and I am prepared to call him up as long as he is playing for Al Nassr.”
He continued: “In my opinion, you cannot destroy a year-long friendship over a situation that is difficult to understand. What happened was a misunderstanding and is easy to resolve.”
Addressing the incident that sparked the crisis, Jesus said: “Because he is Cristiano—and perhaps he earns that right due to his status as an icon—the issue regarding his warmup and non-participation was blown out of proportion.”
He added: “How many players warmed up today and didn’t come on? Will there be an issue with any of them? No. But with Cristiano, it’s different because he is an icon.”
Ronaldo had reportedly been angered after warming up for nearly 30 minutes against Norway without being brought on, quickly departing the pitch before missing training and leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen following days of tension and meetings.
Jesus concluded: “I want him to stay, and I hope he finishes his international career the way he wants. I told him from the beginning: I need you whether you play or not, and my position remains unchanged.”
