LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s preliminary squad for November’s Nations League matches, a federation spokesperson confirmed to AFP on Tuesday, opening the possibility of a return after his dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
Portugal host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales for their final group fixture on November 17. Inclusion in the preliminary group does not guarantee Ronaldo a place in the final squad.
His possible recall follows a 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after he left the national team’s camp on September 30.
The punishment was backdated to account for time already served, leaving him eligible to return before the November matches.
Ronaldo, 41, departed after a disagreement with Jesus about his role in the team. In a subsequent social media statement, he accused the coach of failing to honour a promise to give him playing time against Norway.
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He also maintained that Jesus had not publicly addressed matters they had agreed to discuss before the Denmark game. However, Jesus denied agreeing to play more.
Ronaldo later apologised to supporters and acknowledged that leaving the camp was wrong. He said he was willing to accept punishment but insisted he had not retired from international football.
Meanwhile, Portugal continued their Nations League campaign without him. The defending champions won all four opening matches, three in Ronaldo’s absence, and secured a quarter-final place with two fixtures remaining.
Ronaldo remains the leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football. He made his Portugal debut in 2003 at 18 and has won the Ballon d’Or five times. Jesus will announce his final squad on November 6.
(With additional input from Folha de S.Paulo)
