Jorge Jesus leaves door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return | OneFootball

Jorge Jesus has reopened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to rejoin Portugal after a fractious week, saying the captain can come back whenever he wishes. According to Superdeporte, he made the remark after the win over Norway, adding it depends on Ronaldo playing and wanting to be in the squad.

The row began when Ronaldo failed to get on against Norway despite warming up for 30 minutes. Days later he left the camp after learning he would not start against Denmark. That sequence sparked questions over his international future.

Jesus has tried to calm the situation without backing down. He described it as a misunderstanding that, in his view, is easy to fix, and denied any personal dispute with Ronaldo.

Asked about an apology, he rejected the idea, questioning why he should apologise and to whom. His stance is that selection calls are his and not up for debate.

Even so, he says he wants Ronaldo involved. He told the forward during his first squad that he needed him whether he played or not. He also conceded the case is different given Ronaldo’s status, calling him a symbol.

Portugal kept winning during the break without him. Ronaldo has not yet spoken, and Jesus has left the decision in the player’s hands.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”