Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team. He said the 41-year-old captain will decide whether he wants to continue playing for Portugal.

Ronaldo Leaves Training Camp

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp last week after remaining an unused substitute in the win over Norway. He also learned that he would not start against Denmark.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner later said on social media that he would explain his decision to leave the squad “in due course”.

Jesus said Ronaldo could return for the next international window. However, he stressed that the final decision belongs to the veteran forward.

Jesus Wants Ronaldo Back

Jesus said he had already told Ronaldo that he wanted him close to the team, whether he played or not. The coach also highlighted Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal’s plans.

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Portugal have since won two matches without their captain. The defending Nations League champions beat Denmark 4-2 before defeating Norway 2-1 on Sunday.

Those results kept Portugal’s perfect record in Group A4 intact. They also secured the team’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Ronaldo Remains Part of Plans

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca also backed Ronaldo’s continued involvement. He described the recent situation as a misunderstanding that the team should resolve internally.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player. He has scored 146 goals in 234 international appearances.

Jesus also coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. He expects the forward to remain available for the next international window if Ronaldo chooses to return.

Portugal will next host Denmark on November 14. Three days later, they will travel to face Wales.