Ronaldo may return to the Portugal national team after conflict with Jesus

Preliminary call-up after the conflict

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal's preliminary squad for the November Nations League matches, opening the way for his return to the national team after a conflict with head coach Jorge Jesus. A source at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) reported this on Tuesday, and a representative of the organization confirmed the information to the AFP agency. Portugal will host Denmark on November 14 and play away against Wales on November 17; Jesus will announce the final squad on November 6.

The essence of the conflict and the punishment

The 41-year-old Ronaldo left the national team's camp on September 30 during the opening Nations League qualifying matches and then accused Jesus of breaking a promise to give him playing time. In a social media post, he said the coach had promised to field him in the match against Norway but failed to keep his word, and also failed to mention several agreements reached between them at the press conference before the game against Denmark. At the same time, the player stressed that he does not intend to end his international career. In early October, he apologized to the fans and said he would accept any punishment.

Suspension timeline

Last week, the FPF announced a 30-day suspension for Ronaldo for leaving the team. The term is counted retroactively, so by the end of this week the player will be able to return to the national team's disposal. Portugal, the reigning tournament champion, has won all four Nations League matches — three of them without Ronaldo — and secured its place in the quarterfinals with two rounds to spare before the end of the stage. Ronaldo is the record holder in men's international football for both appearances and goals scored; he debuted for Portugal in 2003 at the age of 18 and, by his own words, this year will likely be his last in football.