Portugal boss says door open for Ronaldo return

Portugal's head coach Jorge Jesus has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains an option to return to the national team at his discretion. The 41-year-old captain was an unused substitute during Portugal's Nations League matches against Norway and Denmark. Ronaldo, who holds both the most goals and appearances records for Portugal with 146 goals in 234 appearances, left the team camp after being left out of the Denmark match.

He later expressed his reasons for leaving Portugal's national team on social media. Jesus had previously stated he would discuss the matter after the team's last Nations League game against Norway. The defending champions secured their place in the last eight with a 2-1 victory, solidifying their position at the top of Group A4.

Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo's decision on his participation will ultimately be his own. Portugal will face Denmark in their upcoming Group A4 match on November 14, followed by a visit to Wales three days later. Ronaldo started Portugal's opening game against Wales, but his decision to come on as a substitute after being made to warm up mid-half angered him.

He was previously an unused substitute in a competitive game for Portugal since 2008. The Portuguese team has been successful in Ronaldo's absence, with AC Milan's Goncalo Ramos scoring in all three starts. In response to Ronaldo's departure, team-mates Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes expressed their support for the veteran player, hoping for a positive conclusion to his time with the national team.