Cristiano Ronaldo row takes new twist as Portugal FA wade in after Jorge Jesus statement

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COMMENTSJorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Portugal setup after the veteran forward left their Nations League camp last week.

The 41-year-old walked out on the squad after not being named in the starting line-up to face Denmark, which came after he had been an unused substitute for a 2-1 win in Norway.

Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals in 243 appearances for Portugal, soon after claimed in a cryptic social media post that he will “tell the truth” about his reasons for leaving the squad.

“In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated,” the post read.

Cristiano RonaldoAFP/GettyPortugal head coach Jesus took the role after this summer’s World Cup, reuniting with Ronaldo after the pair worked together at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Jesus maintained that he would discuss Ronaldo’s departure form the squad following their final Nations League game on Sunday, which saw Portugal again beat 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.

Jorge JesusGetty“Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it.

“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.”

While Jesus has put the ball in Ronaldo’s court regarding a return to the national team, the Portuguese Federation appears determined to mend relations.

FPF president Pedro Proenca released a lengthy statement, insisting that Ronaldo “will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready.”

It read: “His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready.

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“Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches.

“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 went on to say: “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.”