Ronaldo Nears Return to Portugal National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s preliminary squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League matches, a move that opens the door to his return to the national team following the dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, a source at the Portuguese Football Federation told AFP.

The 41-year-old star abruptly left the Portugal national team camp on September 30 after the opening round of the Nations League, before accusing Jesus of reneging on his promise to give him playing time.

A spokesperson for the Portuguese Federation confirmed the accuracy of reports stating that Ronaldo is a candidate to return to the squad ahead of matches against Denmark at home and Wales away on November 14 and 17, respectively. The spokesperson added that Jesus will announce the final squad on November 6.

The Portuguese Federation announced last week that Ronaldo had been handed a 30-day ban following his departure from the camp. The sanction was applied retroactively, meaning the player will be eligible to return by the end of this week.

Ronaldo had apologized to fans earlier in October, affirming his willingness to accept any punishment imposed on him.

In a social media post shortly after leaving his teammates, Ronaldo accused coach Jesus of promising him a chance to play against Norway before backing down, but he stressed that he does not intend to retire from international football.

He pointed to another point of contention: Jesus failed to address several issues during a press conference ahead of the Denmark match, which Ronaldo said had been previously agreed upon.

Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches, three of them in Ronaldo’s absence, securing a spot in the quarter-finals with two rounds remaining in the current stage.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is the all-time top scorer in men’s international football and holds the record for the most international appearances.