Ronaldo can return if he wants: Portugal coach Jorge Jesus

Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo. Pics/AFP

Portugal wants Cristiano Ronaldo to know he's welcome back to the national team, if he so desires.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca have downplayed the "misunderstanding" that led to Ronaldo's decision to leave the national team's training camp last week, saying after a 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League on Sunday that he can return whenever he wants.

"Ronaldo will always be part of this squad if he is technically fit to play. Cristiano knows this. What happened was a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally," Proenca told Portuguese TV channel RTP.

Ronaldo, 41, walked out on Portugal's training camp on Wednesday, hours after Jesus said the veteran star would not start in a game against Denmark in the Nations League. Jesus had kept Ronaldo on the bench in a previous match despite saying he would play.

Ronaldo said after leaving that in due course he would "tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons" behind his departure.

"I don't know what Cris will decide. There are non-negotiable principles for a coach, but since there were no issues regarding my authority, for me, if Cris wants to return, he will be eligible for the next call-up. It's up to him," Jesus said after Portugal's win.

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