Jorge Jesus, the head coach of the Portugal national team, is seeking to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back into the squad following a crisis that unfolded over recent days and ended with the team captain leaving the training camp.
The dispute began during the match against Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire game, despite having started the previous match against Wales and undergoing an extended warm-up during the Norway fixture without ultimately playing.
The rift worsened after Jesus stated in the press conference ahead of the Denmark match that the decision regarding Ronaldo's participation rested solely with him, emphasizing that all players are subject to the same rules and that he does not allow any player to influence his tactical decisions.
Minutes after Jesus' comments, Cristiano (41 years old) left the national team camp, later stating via his social media accounts that he would "clarify the facts at the appropriate time."
Portuguese newspaper "A Bola" reports that Jesus has decided to call up Ronaldo for the international break next November, as he does not wish to prolong the dispute with his country's star player.
The Portuguese coach had previously affirmed the player's importance to the national team, while maintaining his principle of equality among all squad members and not guaranteeing a starting role for any player.
Jesus subsequently confirmed that the door to the national team would remain open for Ronaldo, stressing that the final decision regarding the player's continuation with Portugal rests with him, but also noting that Ronaldo's presence remains important to the team, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
The Portugal national team is preparing to face Denmark and then Wales in the UEFA Nations League during the upcoming international break.
It is worth noting that Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer for the Portuguese national team with 146 goals, making him the most capped player in its history with 236 appearances.
