Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return to Portugal squad

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome to return to the national team squad at his own discretion. Speaking following Portugal’s recent victory over Norway—a result that secured the team’s place in the quarterfinals with a perfect group stage record—Jesus stated that the door remains open for the veteran forward, characterizing their previous friction as a simple misunderstanding.

Jorge Jesus on Ronaldo’s Potential Return

Addressing the media after the match, Jesus emphasized that he does not view the situation as a permanent conflict. “For me, everything is open,” the manager said. He noted that the decision rests with the player, provided he is actively playing at the club level. “If he is playing and wants to be in the national team, he can return whenever he wants, why not? It was a misunderstanding and, in my opinion, it is easy to resolve.”

Jesus clarified that he considers the professional relationship functional, dismissing suggestions that he would need to issue a formal apology to the player. “I don’t apologize to anyone,” he stated. “The problem that caused all this was that the player was warming up. I blame the decision and what happened. But apologize for what? To whom? That is a lie.”

Jesus Wants Ronaldo to End Career Playing Well

The manager expressed a clear desire to see Ronaldo’s international career conclude on his own terms. Jesus shared that he had previously advised the forward against ending his tenure with the national team during a difficult moment, specifically referencing the emotional aftermath of recent World Cup campaigns. “I told Cristiano Ronaldo that he could not end his career in the World Cups with the national team losing and crying,” Jesus explained. “He had to end his career playing well.”

Despite the media scrutiny surrounding the captain, Jesus maintained that the squad remains focused on their competitive objectives. “I shared throughout the year everything that Cristiano Ronaldo represents as a symbol and a brand, especially for children,” he added. “The problem between him and me was premature. Many people got involved and turned it into a problem, when there was none at all.”

Teammate Perspectives on the Captain

Members of the Portugal squad have echoed the sentiment that the situation is a private matter to be settled by the leadership. Joao Cancelo, who scored against Norway, declined to disclose the details of his private conversations with the captain but expressed confidence in a positive resolution. “The coach and Pedro Proença will talk about the topic,” Cancelo said. “As Bruno [Fernandes] already said, Cris is our captain, a symbol of our selection, the best player Portugal has ever had.”

Nuno Mendes also addressed the potential for a return, emphasizing the team’s inclusive culture. “Any player who comes to the National Team is welcome,” Mendes said. “If Cris returns, we will receive him with open arms, both him and other players who can be called up.”

Next Steps for the National Team

With Portugal now qualified for the quarterfinals, the focus shifts to the upcoming knockout stages. While Jesus noted that the timing of a resolution regarding Ronaldo’s status remains uncertain, he reiterated his reliance on the forward’s presence. “In the first call-up I told him: ‘I need you,'” Jesus said. “Whether you play or not, I need you. And now it is the same.”

The manager concluded his remarks by stressing that the final decision rests with the player, stating, “He knows that this will end, that it doesn’t last forever. But I would like it to end in the national team as he wants. He is the one who will decide.”