Portugal is ready to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back to the national team if he wishes. However, it seems he doesn’t have that intention as long as Jorge Jesus is in charge.
According to an ESPN report, the iconic 41-year-old player has issued an ultimatum to the Portuguese Football Federation, stating he won’t return to the national squad under Coach Jesus.
Both Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença have attempted to downplay the “misunderstanding” that caused Ronaldo to leave the team’s training camp last week. They have assured that the veteran can rejoin whenever he wants, following Portugal’s 2-1 victory against Norway in the Nations League.
“He is the greatest football player of all time, having dedicated over two decades to Portuguese football,” Proença told RTP, emphasizing that Ronaldo will always be part of the squad as long as he is fit. He added that the earlier incident was a misunderstanding that they hope to resolve internally.
Ronaldo exited the training camp on Wednesday, just hours after Jesus announced he wouldn’t start against Denmark in another Nations League match, despite promising that the star player would be on the field.
After his departure, Ronaldo hinted that he would soon reveal the true reasons for his exit but has remained quiet since then.
Jesus remarked on Sunday that he sees no reason to apologize, stating he would call Ronaldo for the next international break if he chooses to return. “I don’t know what Cris will decide,” Jesus commented post-game. “If he wants to come back, he will be eligible for the next call-up, as long as he continues playing for Al Nassr. That’s his choice.”
Proença mentioned there would be an opportunity for everyone involved to have a discussion about the situation.
“Ronaldo is a symbol of our country, an extraordinary athlete who opted not to retire from international play after the World Cup because of his love for the national team,” Proença stated.
While Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, he hasn’t clarified his plans for international competition. Jesus, who took the coaching position after Portugal’s World Cup exit in July, expressed the need to converse with Ronaldo about his future at some point.
“This is a discussion we will both have about his career moving forward.”
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts, as Ronaldo’s potential return could reignite excitement around the national team. His presence not only elevates the team’s performance but also inspires younger players in the sport, signaling that legends can still play vital roles in shaping the future of soccer.
Source: www.foxsports.com
