Portugal national team coach backs down: "It was a misunderstanding, Ronaldo will return"

Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus signaled a retreat from his decision to exclude Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad. In a press conference after a win over Norway, Jesus said Ronaldo may return in November, and that the decision on his future is not in his hands but the player's. The comments come after a public uproar, a loss of followers on the team's account, and intervention by the Portuguese Prime Minister.

Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus signaled a retreat from his decision to exclude Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad. In a press conference last night (Sunday) after a win over Norway, Jesus said: "There is a possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo will return in November. All options are still open." Jesus claimed the decision is not in his hands: "Cristiano is the one who holds the decision on his future, it's not up to me. What happened between us was just a misunderstanding." The comments come after Jesus excluded Ronaldo from the squad, leading to the player leaving the training camp. The public uproar included a loss of about 3 million followers on the team's official Instagram account, mediation attempts by the Portuguese Football Federation, and even intervention by the Portuguese Prime Minister. Portuguese media report that Ronaldo may receive a dignified farewell match in the national colors, similar to the tribute expected for Lionel Messi.