Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Al Nassr as the forward prepares for the Saudi Pro League club’s next fixture following his departure from Portugal duty.
Al Nassr confirmed Ronaldo’s return on Monday, sharing pictures of the 41-year-old working with his teammates. The club accompanied the post with the caption, “The GOAT. In the heart of Najd. At Al Nassr.”
Ronaldo also acknowledged his return by posting pictures from training on his official Instagramaccount, using only the yellow and blue circle emojis as his caption.
The Portugal captain is now expected to focus on club football ahead of Al Nassr’s league meeting with Al Diriyah on Friday, October 9.
His return comes against the backdrop of an unresolved dispute involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the national team camp last week after a disagreement over his involvement with the squad, with Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença reportedly following him to Copenhagen airport in an unsuccessful attempt to convince him to stay.
Despite the incident, efforts are reportedly underway to repair the relationship between Ronaldo, Jesus and the national team. The Portuguese Football Federation is said to be planning a meeting with the forward as it seeks to resolve the situation.
There have also been attempts to dismiss suggestions that the dispute has created divisions within the Portugal squad. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes insisted there were “no divisions” among the players and described Ronaldo as the country’s “greatest symbol.”
Portugal moved on from the controversy by securing qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Norway.
Jesus has also softened the prospect of a permanent split, making it clear that Ronaldo remains welcome in the national team if he wants to return.
For now, however, Ronaldo’s immediate attention is back on Al Nassr. His return to training gives the forward an opportunity to shift the focus from the Portugal controversy to his club responsibilities as the Saudi season continues.
