Ronaldo’s Portugal return remains uncertain amid coach dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Portugal remains uncertain after the forward left the national team’s training camp during the international break. Coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would be eligible for the next call-up if he wants to return and is playing for Al Nassr, while reports relaying journalist Rui Santos’s account say Ronaldo will not play for Portugal while Jesus remains in charge. Ronaldo has not publicly confirmed that reported position. Ronaldo announced on social media that he had left the camp and said he would explain his reasons later. In the statement, he wished Portugal and his teammates well. He has not yet provided the promised explanation, leaving the circumstances of his departure and the state of his relationship with Jesus unclear. The dispute followed Ronaldo’s reduced role during the Nations League matches. He played 67 minutes in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales, then remained an unused substitute in a 2-1 victory over Norway. Jesus said he had considered bringing Ronaldo on after asking him to warm up, but ultimately did not do so. Ronaldo was subsequently left out of the starting lineup for the match against Denmark and departed camp.