Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says embattled Captain Cristiano Ronaldo can still return to the team if he chooses to.
The 41-year-old captain departed their Nations League camp after sitting on the bench against Norway and subsequently learning he would not be in the starting lineup against Denmark.
Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr forward, has netted 146 goals across 234 appearances for Portugal, both of which are world records.
Following his departure from the camp, he posted on social media: “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.”
For his part, Jesus had consistently stated that he intended to address the matter after his team’s fourth and final Nations League match against Norway on Sunday. A 2-1 win secured a spot in the quarter-finals for the competition’s reigning champions.
Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr as well, remarked, “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.”
“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.
“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.”
Portugal will play host to Denmark in their next Group A4 fixture on 14 November, then travel to face Wales three days afterward.
Ronaldo was in the starting line-up for the 1-0 win over Wales in the opening game, but he was listed as a substitute in Norway and was told he might or might not be used. He was reportedly upset about being asked to warm up in the second half, only to be left on the bench.
It marked the first occasion since 2008 that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had been an unused substitute for his national team in a competitive match.
The veteran departed the camp after Jesus stated at a news conference that Ronaldo would also not start against Denmark.
With Ronaldo absent from the side, AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has found the net in all three of his starts.
Following Sunday’s victory over Norway, which lifted them six points above second-placed Denmark in the table, goalscorer Joao Cancelo told RTP: “Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had.
“Things will certainly end in the best way [with him], but the important thing is the four victories.”
His teammate Nuno Mendes added, “Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we’ll be here to receive him with open arms.”
