Portugal closed their Nations League night with a 2-1 win over Norway, but the question waiting after the final whistle was Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the next international window.
Jesus leaves decision with Ronaldo
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said the 41-year-old forward would be included in his plans for the next squad announcement, despite Ronaldo having left the national-team camp on Wednesday.
- Jesus said Ronaldo would receive a call-up for the next international break.
- He made clear that any return would depend on the player’s own willingness to rejoin the group.
- The coach said the matter would be discussed again before the next squad list is confirmed.
“For the next international window, he will be called up,” Jesus said after the Norway match. “If he wants to, he will return to us. We will speak again before the next list, but the decision is his.”
A diplomatic response after Norway victory
Jesus had just watched Portugal beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday evening when he addressed the Ronaldo situation. His response was measured, with no suggestion that the coach would force the issue.
Speaking later in the mixed zone, Jesus repeated that Ronaldo must determine his own future with the national side.
“He must decide what he wants to do with his life, as he did before the first list,” Jesus said. “It will be the same for the second one. If he is interested, then it is not for me to decide, and I cannot decide it.”
Al-Nassr connection remains intact
Jesus rejected the idea that Ronaldo’s departure had created a personal rupture between them. The pair previously worked together for a year at Al-Nassr.
- Jesus said he was not saddened by the episode.
- He described his relationship with Ronaldo as a strong professional friendship.
- The Portugal coach insisted that the next step rests with the veteran attacker.
“I am not sad,” Jesus said. “I worked with Cris for one year at Al-Nassr and we have a very strong professional friendship. That is all.”
