Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Al Nassr after his unexpected departure from Portugal’s national team camp during the October international break.

Al Nassr confirmed the 41-year-old forward’s return on Monday, October 5, by sharing photographs of him back with the squad. The club welcomed its captain with a post celebrating his return to the team.

Ronaldo had left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen last week after being left on the bench for the national team’s 2-1 victory over Norway. Reports of tensions with newly appointed head coach Jorge Jesus intensified after the forward was not expected to start the subsequent meeting with Denmark. Ronaldo subsequently announced that he would explain the reasons for his decision to leave at a later time.

The circumstances surrounding his departure have generated considerable attention in Portugal, although the full details of the disagreement between the player and Jesus have not been publicly established.

Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença reportedly travelled to Copenhagen Airport in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Ronaldo to remain with the national team.

Despite the controversy, the Portuguese Football Federation has indicated that Ronaldo remains important to the national team. Proença described the situation as a misunderstanding and reiterated Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal.

Jesus has also said that the door remains open for Ronaldo to return whenever he decides to do so. The coach stressed that the decision ultimately rests with the player, while acknowledging Ronaldo’s importance to the squad.

Portugal continued its Nations League campaign without Ronaldo and secured qualification for the quarter-finals after defeating Norway 2-1. The result followed an earlier victory over Denmark, meaning Portugal advanced despite the captain's absence.

Ronaldo has now turned his attention back to club football as Al Nassr prepare for their next Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Diriyah on Friday, October 9.

The match will provide the Portugal captain with an opportunity to return to competitive action after the international break. Reports from Portugal indicate that he joined his Al Nassr teammates for training on Monday as the club prepares for the league fixture.

His return also comes with attention on his relationship with the Portuguese national team. With Jesus and the federation publicly leaving the door open, the immediate question is whether Ronaldo will return for Portugal’s next international assignments.

For now, however, the veteran forward is focused on Al Nassr, where he is expected to continue preparations for the club’s domestic campaign while the situation surrounding his international future develops.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia