Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for next month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures, paving the way for his return to international football following a highly publicised dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed on Tuesday that Ronaldo is being considered for selection for Portugal’s matches against Denmark and Wales on November 14 and 17.
The 41-year-old striker left the national team camp on September 30 during the opening phase of the Nations League campaign after accusing Jesus of failing to honour assurances regarding playing time.
The FPF subsequently imposed a 30-day suspension on the veteran forward, a sanction that was backdated and will expire before the upcoming fixtures.
Ronaldo later apologised to fans and said he would accept any disciplinary measures imposed by the federation, while insisting that he had no intention of retiring from international football.
The Al Nassr star claimed the dispute centred on a promise regarding his involvement in a match against Norway and concerns over issues that were not publicly addressed by the coach.
Portugal have nevertheless enjoyed a strong Nations League campaign, winning all four of their matches, including three without Ronaldo, to secure qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining.
Coach Jorge Jesus is expected to announce his final squad on November 6.
Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football. Having made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently indicated that this season will likely be the final year of his playing career.
