Cristiano Ronaldo can still return to Portugal if he chooses, with head coach Jorge Jesus making it clear that the decision now rests entirely with the 41-year-old captain.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s Nations League camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. He later said he would explain his reasons for leaving “in due course”.
The Al-Nassr forward remains Portugal’s all-time record scorer and appearance holder, with 146 goals in 234 international matches. Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway also secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said he still wants the veteran forward around the squad regardless of whether he plays every match.
“Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants,” Jesus said, stressing that Ronaldo himself will decide when and how his international career ends.
Do you think Ronaldo should return for Portugal’s next games, or is this the right time for him to walk away?
