Jorge Jesus leaves Ronaldo return open after Portugal secure quarter-final place

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he wants to, leaving the captain's international future unresolved after his departure from the squad. BBC Sport reported the coach's comments following Sunday's Nations League victory over Norway.

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According to AS, Jesus described the disagreement as a misunderstanding that he believed could be resolved. He did not give a timetable for that to happen, however, and made any return conditional on Ronaldo continuing to play and wanting to represent Portugal. His remarks were an invitation, not confirmation of a recall.

Ronaldo, 41, left the camp after remaining on the bench against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. BBC Sport reported that he had started the opening 1-0 win over Wales. He subsequently said on social media that he would explain his reasons for leaving at a later stage.

The forward's absence has coincided with opportunities for Goncalo Ramos, who has scored in each of his three starts without Ronaldo in the side, according to the BBC. Portugal's 2-1 victory on Sunday secured a quarter-final place for the defending champions and put them six points ahead of second-placed Denmark.

Cadena SER reported that Norway took the lead through Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, only for Joao Cancelo to equalise two minutes later after a long ball from Nuno Mendes. Ramos then scored in the 79th minute to complete the turnaround. Portugal finished with 10 players following Francisco Conceicao's dismissal but held on to make it four wins from four.

There was also support for Ronaldo from within the squad. AS reported that Mendes would welcome him back, while Cancelo confirmed that players had spoken with their captain during the week but declined to disclose those conversations.

Portugal next host Denmark on 14 November before visiting Wales three days later. BBC Sport reported that Jesus could speak with Ronaldo before the next squad announcement, while stressing that the decision about returning would rest with the player.