Cristiano Ronaldo smiles again after Portugal tensions in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Al-Nassr in a positive mood after five days of tension surrounding his departure from Portugal’s squad. The Saudi club showed the 41-year-old forward smiling in images from the team’s return to training and described him as the “GOAT”.

His return came a day after Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in the Nations League to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Ronaldo did not feature in that victory. He left the national team last Wednesday after becoming frustrated by his lack of involvement against Norway and by coach Jorge Jesus’ decision not to select him from the start against Denmark.

The incident prompted speculation in Portugal that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could end his international career. Ronaldo said at the time that he would reveal the truth later, but has not responded to Jesus’ subsequent comments.

Jesus has said Ronaldo will be selected for the next international window if he wants to return, insisting there is no lasting resentment and describing the episode as a misunderstanding. However, the coach rejected a request to apologise in sharp terms, leaving the prospect of a reunion unresolved despite Ronaldo’s cheerful return to club football.