Photo: Collected
Whether he will play in the Portugal jersey again is now Cristiano Ronaldo’s own decision. Coach Jorge Jesus has kept the national team’s door open for the 41-year-old star. In his view, Ronaldo himself has the right to decide how his international career will end.
Portugal won all four of their matches in the recent international break. Yet Ronaldo played only 65 minutes in these matches. Against Wales he was taken off before the match ended, and against Norway he spent the entire match on the bench. After getting an indication that he would not get a place in the starting XI against Denmark, he also left the team’s camp in Copenhagen.
These incidents sparked discussion about Ronaldo’s international career. However, after the 2-1 win against Norway, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo can return to the national team again if he wants.
The Portugal coach said, ‘If he wants, he will return to the national team.’ Saying that there may be a discussion with Ronaldo before the next squad announcement, he said Ronaldo himself will take the final decision.
Goncalo Ramos has made use of the opportunity in Ronaldo’s absence. The forward has scored in all three matches in which he played in the starting XI.
The teammates’ stance on the captain is also positive. Joao Cancelo has described him as the country’s best player of all time. Nuno Mendes has also said the team will welcome Ronaldo if he returns.
Portugal will take the field against Denmark on 14 November. The decision on Ronaldo’s international future may become clear before that.
