Back in Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Al Nassr training with a smile after an international break that ended in a public rupture with Portugal’s camp.
The 41-year-old forward was pictured laughing with club team-mates after flying back to Saudi Arabia, having left the Portugal squad following frustration over his role during the latest fixtures.
Quick facts
- Ronaldo has resumed training with Al Nassr after leaving Portugal duty.
- He played against Wales but remained on the bench against Norway.
- He spent around 30 minutes warming up during the Norway match without being introduced.
- Al Nassr’s next match is scheduled for Friday against Al Diriyah.
- Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has said Ronaldo can return for November’s internationals.
Ronaldo featured in Portugal’s first match of the window against Wales, before being left among the substitutes for the following game against Norway. His dissatisfaction grew as he warmed up for roughly half an hour without entering the match.
Comments from Jorge Jesus then prompted the striker to leave the gathering, with Ronaldo departing in his private aircraft before the camp had concluded.
Al Nassr marked his return by celebrating their leading name as the “GOAT” on social media. The images from training showed Ronaldo immediately back among the group as the Saudi club prepares for a busy month.
Friday’s meeting with Al Diriyah is next on the calendar, giving Ronaldo a swift return to club competition after the international episode.
The larger question will be answered in November. Jesus has maintained that Portugal’s door remains open and expects Ronaldo could be available for the next international commitments, but the player has not yet publicly detailed all the reasons behind his departure.
For now, the decision over a Portugal return rests with Ronaldo himself.
