Portugal hope to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back after Jorge Jesus dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal squad in March after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, according to Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca.

Ronaldo left the team’s training camp in Denmark after accusing Jesus of breaking a promise on two occasions. The Portugal captain later apologised to the Portuguese public and his team-mates, while acknowledging that the incident should be treated as an aggravating circumstance.

In his statement, Ronaldo said his conduct “must be assessed and punished”. His case could be considered by the Disciplinary Council’s Non-Professional Section tomorrow, with his admission potentially influencing the sanction.

According to Record, the regulations allow a suspension to be reduced by half when a player acknowledges the offence. That would mean a maximum six-month ban could be cut to three months, while the minimum one-month suspension could be reduced to 15 days.

Ronaldo has made clear that he wants to return to international football. Proenca believes it is possible for the player and Jesus to settle their differences, which would allow Ronaldo to rejoin Portugal in March for the Nations League finals.

The federation president has chosen not to comment publicly in an attempt to ease tensions and prevent the dispute from becoming more complicated. He is understood to believe that a diplomatic approach will provide the best chance of reconciliation.

Jesus offered only a brief response when asked about Ronaldo’s statement.

“I will go to the federation to work and think about the team and the national team,” he said, without adding further details.

The disagreement follows Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp in Denmark after he said the coach had failed to keep his word twice. Ronaldo’s subsequent apology addressed both the Portuguese people and his colleagues, while also accepting that disciplinary action could follow.

The next decision now rests with the disciplinary authorities, who will determine the punishment in light of Ronaldo’s admission. Any reduction under the regulations would affect both the possible maximum and minimum periods of suspension, potentially keeping open the prospect of his return in March.