Jesus: Cristiano Ronaldo Will Decide His Portugal Future
LONDON, Oct 5 (NNN-PA Media/dpa) -- Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to resume his international career, reported PA Media/dpa.
Ronaldo left the national team squad after he was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win away to Norway in the Nations League on September 27.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner vowed to “tell the truth” in due course in a spat that threatened to end the international career of the Al Nassr forward, who has scored a record-breaking 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
However, after Sunday’s 2-1 home win over Norway, Jesus told a press conference: “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.
“We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.
“In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you’. And now I’m saying the same thing.”
Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening Nations League victory at home to Wales, but Jesus’ decision to keep the 41-year-old as an unused substitute in Oslo sparked a public fallout.
Jesus attempted days later to play down suggestions of a feud or crisis talks in the camp following the unexpected arrival of Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
However, Ronaldo released a statement on Instagram confirming that he had left the Portugal squad, threatening to bring the curtain down on his record-breaking international career.
“After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
“In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”
Jesus watched Portugal respond strongly with a 4-2 win in Denmark before they rounded off their international window with a home victory over Norway to sit top of Group Four with 12 points from 12.
--NNN-PA MEDIA/dpa
