Jorge Jesus: Cristiano Ronaldo will decide on his Portugal future

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted that the door remains open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team. Following a successful run of Nations League fixtures that secured a quarter-final spot, the manager clarified that the decision regarding the veteran's international future rests entirely with the player.

Tensions surfaced when the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star walked out of the training camp after being named as an unused substitute against Norway. It marked the first time since 2008 that the forward had remained on the bench throughout a competitive international match.

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. Jorge Jesus

Despite his departure, the team has maintained momentum, with Goncalo Ramos scoring in each of his three starts. Teammates like Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes have publicly expressed that the squad remains supportive of their captain and would welcome him back.

Portugal are set to face Denmark and Wales in November. Whether the manager and the captain can reconcile before the next squad announcement remains the primary focus for the team's leadership.