Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has declared that Cristiano Ronaldo will be called up for the next international break if he wants to return, putting the ball firmly in the captain’s court after the most turbulent fortnight of his legendary international career.

The promise marks a stunning turn in a saga that has dominated Portuguese football for two weeks.

Ronaldo left the national team camp in Copenhagen after being benched for the entire 2-1 win over Norway, was chased to the airport by Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença, and then watched from afar as Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 without him.

He did not return for the final match of the break against Norway, flying back to Riyadh to rejoin Al Nassr, while the Portuguese federation weighed possible sanctions over the unauthorized departure.

Speaking to the media at the end of the international break, Jesus left no ambiguity about his intentions: ‘Cristiano will be called up for the next international break. We can talk before the next squad list, but Cris is the one who will decide… if he wants, he will return.’