Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to the Portugal national team despite his recent abrupt departure from the squad, according to Portuguese journalist Miguel Pereira.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp shortly before the team’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark, reportedly after becoming unhappy with head coach Jorge Jesus over his lack of playing time in the side’s victory over Croatia.
However, Pereira says efforts are now underway to repair relations between Ronaldo’s camp, Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sunday Edition, the journalist said the federation remains keen to have the Al-Nassr forward back with the national team, with Ronaldo potentially set for what could be his final international campaign.
“But right now, I really do think bridges are being built between Cristiano’s camp, Jesus’ camp and the Portuguese federation,” Pereira said.
He added that Ronaldo could return to Portugal later next year for what he described as a “last dance” with the national side.
According to Pereira, Ronaldo also has a personal milestone in mind, with 21 goals reportedly separating him from his target of reaching 1,000 career goals.
He suggested that Ronaldo would like to achieve the landmark while representing Portugal, drawing a comparison with Brazilian legend Pele’s celebrations surrounding his own 1,000th goal.
“I think he was aiming to score that goal at the end of the season in a match with Portugal,” Pereira said.
Ronaldo’s potential return would therefore give Portugal the prospect of having its long-serving captain back for another international campaign, while also providing the forward with an opportunity to pursue his career milestone in national colours.
