Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a route back into the Portugal squad, with manager Jorge Jesus and his team-mates making clear that they would welcome the veteran forward despite his dramatic departure from the national-team camp.
Ronaldo was absent as Portugal came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in the Nations League on Sunday. He had left the squad following a dispute with Jesus.
The Portugal captain was angered after remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes of the sides’ first meeting with Norway a week earlier. He subsequently missed three training sessions and the Thursday fixture against Denmark before leaving on his private jet.
Ronaldo could still face a six-month suspension from international football because of his actions. He has also promised that he will reveal “the truth” about the controversy at some point.
Reports had suggested that Portugal were discussing a possible farewell appearance for Ronaldo, although Portuguese outlet Record has rejected those claims. Ronaldo also appeared not to have watched the Norway match, with a photograph shared by his wife Georgina Rodriguez showing him aboard his private jet with his family.
Following Portugal’s comeback win, Jesus said Ronaldo could be considered for the next international break in November. “As far as I’m concerned, everything is open. It’s up to Cris to decide his own life. In the next call-up, if Cris is playing and wants to be in the national team, why not?”
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo’s team-mates have made it clear that the forward is welcome to return
Ronaldo sparked controversy by leaving Portugal’s training camp and appeared not to watch Sunday’s match against Norway
“Resentment? Nothing. It was a misunderstanding. In my view, it can be resolved easily. When will I sort it out? I don’t know. The match is over, and only afterwards will we understand how things develop.
“It isn’t solely down to me. For two people to reach an agreement, both have to speak and agree. That is not something I can decide alone.
“Because it was him — and perhaps understandably, because he is a symbol — the situation of a player coming on, warming up and then not playing has become a major issue. How many players warmed up today and did not come on? Will that cause a problem? No.
“With Cris, it is different because he is a symbol. But was it a problem? For me, it was not. If Cris wants to return and is playing for Al-Nassr, he will be in the next squad. We spoke before this selection and we can speak before the next one. Cris will make that decision.”
Portugal secured victory with a 79th-minute goal from AC Milan forward Goncalo Ramos. Their comeback was completed in a match that also saw Norway striker Erling Haaland leave the field limping.
Portugal have now won all three of their recent matches without Ronaldo. Even so, the forward’s international colleagues have again stressed that they want him to return, despite the fallout from his walkout.
Full-back Nuno Mendes told Sport TV after the final whistle: “We are a united group, and Cristiano — just like anyone else who is not here — will always be welcomed with open arms.”
Joao Cancelo added: “As Bruno (Fernandes) has already said, Cristiano is our captain and the symbol of our national team. He is the greatest player Portugal has ever had, and everything will surely end in the best possible way.”
Jorge Jesus says Ronaldo can return to Portugal duty if the forward wants to come back
Georgina Rodriguez defended Ronaldo following his controversial departure from the Portugal camp
Fernandes has played a central role in attempting to ease the tension. The Manchester United midfielder recently revealed that he had spoken directly with Ronaldo in an effort to clear the air.
“I had a conversation with Cris,” Fernandes said. “What I told him is that, whatever happens, the most important thing is that he will never stop being the greatest symbol of our national team and our country, because of everything he has achieved in Portugal and across the world.”
‘He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people.
‘We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors. I think that’s how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides.
‘We are out of the matter; we spend a lot of time playing cards and are outside the controversy surrounding this issue, but I ask that the country not be divided, not make choices, and accept all sides.
‘Cris will always be the greatest icon of our national team, of world football, and deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less.’
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Ronaldo’s fiery withdrawal – months after a World Cup in which it was perceived that he held back Portugal – has been one of the dominant stories of the international break.
He confirmed in a statement on Instagram that he had left the team’s camp because of comments made by manager Jesus in a press conference.
After leaving camp, Ronaldo said: ‘I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure’
Bruno Fernandes (right) has held clear-the-air talks with Cristiano Ronaldo (left) after the latter stormed out of the Portugal camp
The feud started when Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s win over Norway – the first time in 18 years he had missed the full 90 minutes for the national side barring injuries and suspensions.
Ronaldo said: ‘After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp.
‘In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
‘Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates.’
The tension seems to have boiled over following Jesus’ press conference. The manager said: ‘There was no incident whatsoever.
‘Any player – and I was a player myself – when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don’t get on, no-one is happy about that.
‘Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about.’
The coach, who also managed Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, insists his conscience is clean.
Rodriguez and Ronaldo married in the summer after more than a decade together
‘It’s not difficult for me to focus,’ he added. ‘You know what’s difficult for me? It’s not understanding what’s going on inside. It’s not knowing how to train my players. That’s what’s difficult for me. The rest… zero.
‘What’s important is what we have to do. The things that happen don’t separate the group, they haven’t separated us and they won’t separate us.’
One iconic name to come out in support of Ronaldo is Zinedine Zidane, now the manager of France, who coached the forward at Real Madrid.
He said: ‘We really must pay tribute to his great career. I was lucky to have him with me. He helped me win a lot of titles.
‘Hats off to Cristiano! I always have a great deal of respect for those I’ve spent time with.’
Ronaldo’s wife Georgina Rodriguez swiftly leapt to the defence of her husband by posting a fake Sir Alex Ferguson quote, which she deleted.
Georgina Rodriguez, 32, wrote of Portugal manager Jesus: ‘I don’t know how this man can carry the name of Christ,’ and below her sniping comment was a fictitious quote from Ronaldo’s former boss and legendary Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
It read: ‘If Jorge Jesus knew in his heart that he had no intention of using him, then why did he call him up in the first place? To make a point? That’s not authority, that’s insecurity.’
Ferguson has not spoken about the Ronaldo row and the quote and imagery appeared to be AI generated.
Rodriguez quickly deleted what she’d shared on her Instagram story with 78million followers.
She is part of a blended family, raising five children with Ronaldo, two of whom are biologically hers.