Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team, describing his dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus as a "misunderstanding," according to public broadcaster RTP.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is part of our heritage and will always be here, if the manager wants him," Proenca said in exclusive remarks to RTP following Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday.

Proenca sought to play down the controversy surrounding the 41-year-old captain, saying his place in the national team was based on sporting merit.

"We are talking about one of the best players of all time. We must pay homage to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is in the national team on his own merit, and that is unquestionable," he said.

Proenca said the disagreement should be resolved internally.

"He knows about this feeling. We are facing a misunderstanding, and this has to be resolved internally," he said.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is part of our national team, he is our flag. And Jorge Jesus says he counts on Ronaldo," Proenca added.

Jesus says decision rests with Ronaldo

Jesus also said after Sunday's victory over Norway that Ronaldo could return to the national team if he wanted to.

"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team," Jesus said, adding: "We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide."

The Portugal coach said he had made clear to Ronaldo from his first squad selection that he wanted the veteran forward to remain close to the team regardless of whether he played.

"In my first call-up, I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you.' And now I'm saying the same thing."

Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp last Wednesday after learning he would not start against Denmark, having been an unused substitute in the previous match against Norway.

The 41-year-old later said he would explain the reasons for his departure "in due course." (AA)

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