Jorge Jesus says door remains open for Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal return

The door to the Portugal national team remains open for Cristiano Ronaldo. Head coach Jorge Jesus made that clear after the 2-1 win over Norway, a result that sealed Portugal's place in the Nations League quarter-finals. The 41-year-old captain left camp before the match against Denmark after learning he would not start.

• Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo will decide whether he returns to the national team.
• The forward left camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark.
• Portugal won all four group matches and are through to the Nations League quarter-finals.
• Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three starts made with Ronaldo out of the team.
• Portugal host Denmark on 14 November and visit Wales three days later.

Ronaldo's decision on his Portugal future

Jorge Jesus was direct when speaking about the captain's future. The Portuguese coach, who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, made it clear that the forward has the final say on any return to the national side.

If he wants to, he will return to the national team. We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who is going to decide.

Jesus added that Ronaldo should end his international career the way he wants, and recalled what he said in his first call-up: that he needed him close, whether playing or not. The message, he said, has not changed.

What happened during Portugal's camp with Ronaldo

Ronaldo started the 1-0 opening win over Wales. Against Norway, however, he was named on the bench and told he might or might not come on during the game. The forward warmed up in the second half but was not brought on, which reportedly angered him.

It was the first time since 2008 that Ronaldo had been an unused substitute for his country in a competitive match while available. When Jesus announced at a news conference that he would not start against Denmark either, the veteran decided to leave camp.

After leaving, he posted a message on social media with a phrase that left many questions open. He said that in due course he would tell the Portuguese people the truth about his reasons for leaving the national team, to which he has always been dedicated.

Cristiano Ronaldo's records and legacy with Portugal

The Al-Nassr forward has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both world records at international level. His honours with the national team include Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.

With five Ballon d'Or awards to his name, Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His figure has defined an era in Portuguese football and a possible return keeps fans on edge.

Portugal dominate Nations League Group A4

Sunday's win over Norway left Portugal six points clear of second-placed Denmark. The defending champions have won all four matches played so far in the group.

Joao Cancelo, who scored one of the goals against Norway, addressed the captain's situation. He said Ronaldo is the best player Portugal has ever had and that things will end in the best way, although the important thing now is the four victories achieved.

Nuno Mendes, for his part, said that any player who comes to the national team is welcome and that if Ronaldo returns, they will receive him with open arms.

Goncalo Ramos takes his chance without Ronaldo

AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has responded with goals in all three starts made with Ronaldo out of the team. His contribution has been key as Portugal secured qualification with a perfect record.

Portugal's upcoming Nations League fixtures

Portugal will host Denmark on 14 November in a Nations League Group A4 match. Three days later they will visit Wales to close out this stage of the competition.

Jorge Jesus has already said there will be time to talk with Ronaldo before the next squad announcement. The final decision, he insisted, rests with the player.