Jorge Jesus tells Ronaldo his Portugal future rests entirely in his own hands

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has told Cristiano Ronaldo that only he can decide whether his international career continues, after the 41-year-old walked out of the national camp last week following a dispute over his role in the squad.

Ronaldo had been promised he would come on as a substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win away to Norway, but spent the entire match on the bench before storming down the tunnel at full-time. Days later, following talks with the president of the Portuguese football federation, Ronaldo departed in a private jet.

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 home victory over Norway — Portugal’s fourth win from four under Jesus — the manager addressed the situation directly. “We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide,” Jesus said. “Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it. 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.”

In Ronaldo’s absence, replacement striker Goncalo Ramos scored in both subsequent fixtures, underlining the competitive pressure on the Al-Nassr forward for a starting berth.

Ronaldo’s team-mates have been careful to keep the door open. Joao Cancelo told RTP: “Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had. Things will certainly end in the best way but the important thing is the four victories.” Nuno Mendes added: “Any player who comes to the national team is welcome. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms.”

Bruno Fernandes confirmed he had spoken to Ronaldo since his departure and urged calm. “Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world,” the midfielder said. “He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.”

Portugal’s next fixtures are a home tie against Denmark on November 14 and a trip to Wales three days later, leaving Ronaldo a narrow window to resolve his position before the next squad announcement.