Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the Portugal national team whenever he chooses, head coach Jesus said, leaving the door open for the 41-year-old forward following a high-profile departure from the squad during the UEFA Nations League campaign.
Jesus Opens the Door to a National Team Return
Speaking after Portugal secured qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals, Jesus addressed the status of the veteran striker, sport.cz reported. The 72-year-old manager emphasized that no formal barriers prevent Ronaldo from rejoining the squad for upcoming international windows.
“I don’t know what will happen. For me, everything is open,” Jesus stated. “Before the next nomination, he must decide what he wants to do next. If he plays and wants to be in the national team, he can return whenever he wants. Why not?”
The situation follows a turbulent international break that began when Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire match against Norway despite warming up during the second half. Jesus later acknowledged that it was not ideal to have the team captain warm up without introducing him to the match.
The Departure in Copenhagen and Federation Interventions
Tensions escalated ahead of Portugal’s subsequent fixture against Denmark. After Jesus publicly confirmed that Gonçalo Ramos would feature in the starting lineup against the Danes, Ronaldo abruptly left the training camp without offering a detailed public explanation for his exit.
“When the time comes, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave,” Ronaldo wrote on social media, while wishing his teammates success in the remaining matches.
The departure prompted swift administrative action. According to the Spanish daily Marca, Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença traveled to the airport in Copenhagen to persuade Ronaldo to remain with the squad. The forward declined to change his mind and boarded a private flight to Madrid.
No Apology Issued as Portugal Secures Qualification
Despite acknowledging that a misunderstanding occurred between the coaching staff and the captain, Jesus maintained a firm stance when asked during a press conference whether he owed Ronaldo an apology.
“I don’t apologize to anyone. What should I apologize for? To whom?” Jesus responded.
Leadership from the Portuguese federation subsequently stepped in to manage the fallout, with Proença indicating that formal discussions would take place after the completion of the international fixtures. On the pitch, the squad maintained its momentum without Ronaldo, defeating Denmark 4-2 away and subsequently overcoming Norway 2-1 at home to seal progression in the tournament. Jesus noted that team unity remained intact throughout the disruption, emphasizing that victories provide the strongest defense for any manager.
What Triggered the Tension Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesus?
What triggered the tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesus?
Friction developed after Ronaldo was left on the bench for the entire match against Norway despite warming up. The situation intensified ahead of the fixture against Denmark when Jesus announced Gonçalo Ramos as a starter, prompting Ronaldo to leave the national team camp.
Did the Portuguese federation intervene in the dispute?
Yes, head coach Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença traveled to the Copenhagen airport to urge Ronaldo to stay, though the forward chose to fly to Madrid instead.
How did Portugal perform in the matches following the departure?
The national team secured victories in both fixtures, beating Denmark 4-2 and defeating Norway 2-1 to successfully qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
