Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, days after his unexpected departure from Portugal’s national team camp sparked widespread discussion about his international future.
The 41-year-old forward was pictured smiling and training alongside his Al-Nassr teammates after returning to Riyadh. The club also celebrated the return of its captain on social media.
Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp
Ronaldo’s return to club football follows a turbulent international break with Portugal.
The controversy intensified after Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway. He subsequently left the national team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus indicated that the veteran forward would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
Ronaldo later said he would explain the reasons behind his decision to leave the Portugal camp in due course. His departure raised questions about whether the incident could bring his long and historic international career to an end.
Portugal Leaves Door Open for Ronaldo
Despite the controversy, Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença have indicated that Ronaldo could still return to the national team.
Jesus said Ronaldo remains eligible for selection if he decides to return, while Proença described the situation as a misunderstanding and reiterated the forward’s importance to Portuguese football.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
Ronaldo Turns Attention to Al-Nassr
For now, Ronaldo appears focused on club football.
Photos from his return showed him smiling and participating in training with his teammates as Al-Nassr prepared for the resumption of the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr’s next league fixture is scheduled against Al-Diriyah on Friday, October 9, giving Ronaldo an opportunity to put the international controversy behind him and concentrate on helping his club.
