Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Saudi Arabia as uncertainty continues to surround his future with the Portugal national team following his dramatic departure from the squad during the latest international break.
The 41-year-old forward travelled back to Riyadh after leaving Portugal’s camp last week amid tensions over his role under head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo’s departure came after Jesus confirmed that the Al-Nassr captain would not start Portugal’s Nations League fixture against Denmark, having already been left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 win over Norway.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently left the camp and said he would reveal the reasons behind his decision “in due course”, leaving his international future unclear.
However, Jesus has since sought to calm the situation, insisting that the door remains open for Ronaldo to return.
The Portugal coach said Ronaldo would be eligible for the next national team call-up if he is playing regularly for Al-Nassr, adding that the final decision rests with the veteran forward. Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença has also described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and reaffirmed Ronaldo’s importance to the national team.
Ronaldo is now expected to resume work with Al-Nassr as the Saudi club prepares to restart training this week.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goal scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His future with the national team, however, remains in his own hands following last week’s dramatic developments.
