Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the Portugal national team has taken a new twist, with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) responding after head coach Jorge Jesus said the door remains open for the veteran forward to return.
Ronaldo, 41, left the squad during the Nations League camp after being left on the bench for two matches, including an unused substitute role in a 2-1 win over Norway. He later posted a cryptic message on social media, saying he would "tell the truth" about his reasons for leaving.
Jesus: 'If he wants to, he'll return'
Portugal head coach Jesus, who took the role after this summer's World Cup and previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, said he would discuss the matter after the final Nations League game on Sunday, which Portugal again won against Norway.
"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team," Jesus said. "We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide."
"Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he's the one who will decide how he wants it," he added. "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."
FA president: Ronaldo 'will always remain part of this group'
While Jesus has put the decision in Ronaldo's court, FPF president Pedro Proenca released a lengthy statement insisting that Ronaldo "will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready."
"His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable," the statement read. "He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready."
"Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches," Proenca said. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player. He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn't because of his love for his national team."
Proenca added: "I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team. Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding. Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him."
