Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team, despite the captain leaving the squad’s camp in Copenhagen during the current international break. Jesus made clear that the decision over Ronaldo’s international future ultimately rests with the veteran forward himself.
Speaking after Portugal secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, Jesus played down the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from camp. Rather than treating the episode as a serious dispute, the coach described it as a misunderstanding that could be resolved without difficulty.
In an interview with RTP, Jesus said he did not know what would happen next but insisted that every possibility remained open. If Ronaldo wants to continue playing for Portugal and chooses to join the next squad, the coach said there would be no reason to prevent him from doing so. He also stressed that there was no resentment towards the captain and that the situation could be settled easily.
Asked about discussions with Ronaldo and when the matter might be resolved, Jesus admitted that he did not yet have an answer. The immediate focus, he suggested, was on assessing how events develop following the latest match rather than rushing into a decision.
Ronaldo’s departure before the match against Norway has therefore not been interpreted by the Portugal coach as the end of his international career. Jesus’ comments indicate that the national team remains willing to consider the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for future squads, should Ronaldo decide that he wants to continue representing his country.
The situation comes as Jesus has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure as Portugal coach. His side have won all four matches since he took charge, giving him a perfect record at the beginning of his spell with the national team.
Following the victory over Norway, Jesus said securing the win and confirming Portugal’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals had been the priority. He also acknowledged that the Norway encounter was less demanding than Portugal’s previous meeting with Denmark.
The coach admitted that even with his confidence in the squad, he had not necessarily expected such a perfect start when he began the job. Four wins from four matches have nevertheless strengthened his belief in the team’s ability to meet its objectives.
Portugal still have two matches to play before the next squad is announced. That leaves time for the situation surrounding Ronaldo to develop, while Jesus has made it clear that his side’s ambitions will not depend solely on whether their long-serving captain is available.
For now, the message from the Portugal camp is straightforward: Ronaldo’s international future remains undecided, the door is still open, and the final call belongs to the player himself.
