Ronaldo Is No Different From Any Other Player, Says Nuno Mendes

Portugal defender Nuno Mendes has addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp, insisting that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is no different from any other player despite his status as one of the country’s biggest sporting icons.

Portugal recently secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in Matchday 4 of Group D in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. The result marked their second consecutive win without Ronaldo in the starting XI.

Portugal appeared to play with greater fluidity in Ronaldo’s absence, continuing their strong run despite being without their captain and all-time leading goalscorer.

Mendes was asked about Ronaldo’s absence after the Al-Nassr forward left the national team camp following his omission from the squad for Portugal’s previous meeting with Norway.

Head coach Jorge Jesus has previously stated that the door remains open for the former Juventus and Manchester United forward to return to the national team, and Mendes echoed that stance.

“Of course, we welcome every player. We are happy with the results we have achieved. If Cristiano comes back, we will welcome him with open arms and we will be happy to have him in the team,” Mendes said, as reported by Goal International.

According to the Paris Saint-Germain defender, Ronaldo would be welcomed just like any other member of the squad should he return. At the same time, Portugal’s recent results have shown that the team can continue to perform as a collective without relying on one individual.

“We are a united team and we are happy whenever a player comes back,” Mendes added.

There have been reports that Ronaldo could consider retiring from international football, while an official explanation regarding his departure from the national team camp is expected to emerge in the coming days.