Portugal boss says door open for Ronaldo return

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo's potential return to the national team is an option he is open to. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward currently holds world records for goals scored (146) and appearances made (234) for Portugal. Ronaldo left the team's Nations League camp following an unused substitute role against Norway and discovering he would not start in the Denmark match.

He expressed his intention to share his reasons for leaving the national team on social media. Jesus, who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said that if Ronaldo wants to return, the club can discuss the matter before the next call-up, but the final decision rests with Ronaldo himself. Portugal will face Denmark in their next Group A4 match on November 14th, followed by a trip to Wales three days later.

Ronaldo started Portugal's opening game against Wales, but he was only a substitute in Norway and was upset at being made to warm up during the second half and then not being brought on. He was the first Portuguese player to be an unused substitute for his country in a competitive game since 2008. AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos has scored in all three of Portugal's starts with Ronaldo absent.

After Portugal's victory against Norway, which secured their place in the knockout stages, goalscorer João Cancelo said Ronaldo is their captain and the best player Portugal has ever had, while team-mate Nuno Mendes added that any player who joins the national team is welcome and that they would be there to receive Ronaldo with open arms, if he were to return. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations Leagues.