Portugal team officials say door is open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return after ‘misunderstanding’

LISBOA, Portugal (AP) — The Portuguese national team has expressed its openness to welcoming back Cristiano Ronaldo, the country's all-time leading goalscorer, following his recent departure from the team's training camp. Coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença downplayed a "misunderstanding" that prompted Ronaldo's decision, stating that the star player can return whenever he is ready and in top form.

Proença praised Ronaldo, calling him the greatest player of all time who has devoted more than two decades to Portuguese soccer. Ronaldo walked out on the training camp on Wednesday, following a 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League, after Jesus announced that the veteran would not start in the upcoming game against Denmark.

Jesus maintained that there were no underlying issues and that Ronaldo could be called up for the next international match, provided he remains fit and plays for Al Nassr. Proença emphasized that the situation needs to be discussed internally and that Ronaldo, a national icon, remains an integral part of the team if he is physically capable of playing.