Jesus says Ronaldo can return to the national team if he wants

In Rome, on October 5, head coach Jorge Jesus said that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he wishes, despite the player having left the training camp, sparking debate about his staying.

Possible return

Jesus clarified that Ronaldo can rejoin the squad “if he wants”, after Portugal's victory over Norway, a match played without the striker, which took the Portuguese to the quarter‑finals of the Nations League.

The controversy began last week, when Jesus left the 41‑year‑old Ronaldo on the bench during Portugal's first win over Norway. The exclusion fueled criticism from the media and fans.

On Wednesday Ronaldo left the camp, after learning he would not start against Denmark. The decision highlighted tensions between the player and the coaching staff.

Cristiano Ronaldo accuses Jorge Jesus of not keeping the promise

“As far as I'm concerned, Cris, for the next call‑up – if he plays at Al‑Nassr – he will be a selectable player,” Jesus said, adding “If he wants, he will return to the national team.” The coach emphasized that belonging to the Saudi club does not preclude selection.

The coach then stated that if Ronaldo wishes to speak before the upcoming November matches, “we can talk, as we did before this call‑up, and we can also talk before the next one.” “But it will be Cris who decides,” Jesus concluded.

Ronaldo accuses Jorge Jesus of promises, calls him Pelé and Maradona

The contrast between leaving the camp and Jesus's willingness to welcome back the star highlights that Ronaldo's future with the national team will depend solely on his own will. Meanwhile, ANSA continues to monitor developments in the story.