Important statement from Jorge Jesus regarding Cristiano Ronaldo

Jorge Jesus has reached out with a gesture of reconciliation. Portugal's coach has made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo will receive a call-up for the upcoming international window should he choose to come back, leaving the decision entirely in the captain's hands following the most chaotic two weeks of his storied career with the national team.

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Jorge Jesus has no objection to Cristiano Ronaldo's return

Speaking to reporters as the international window drew to a close, Jesus made his position perfectly clear: "Cristiano will be called up for the next international break. We can talk before the next squad list, but Cris is the one who will decide... if he wants, he will return." Yet the coach did attach a proviso to that promised comeback, making it known that he is prepared to hand the forward a call-up provided he is turning out for Al Nassr.

Jesus went on to share a glimpse of what the two men discussed in private, stressing that no real rift had ever existed: "I told him: I need you, I need you close to me, playing or not playing." The 72-year-old even pointed to the Norway match to drive his argument home, observing that a number of other players had warmed up without getting on the pitch, and no one turned it into an issue.

It should be pointed out that Ronaldo has never formally called time on his international career. He still holds the records as the most prolific scorer and the most-capped player in men's international football, with 146 goals from 234 caps. On top of that, he sits on 979 career goals — just 21 away from the fabled 1,000 mark — and has hinted that he would relish reaching it while wearing a Portugal shirt.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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