Real Madrid Legend Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Portugal Return

One reason the long and extended international break seemed to fly be was the drama surrounding Real Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Having played in Portugal's opening UEFA Nations League game, at home to Wales, he was then an unused sub in the win over Norway second time out, something he took deep offence to, before leaving the camp and heading on a private jet to Madrid. He then soon went back to Saudi Arabia ahead of Al Nassr's return to football. 

Lots was made of this decision by Ronaldo, who then himself released a mammoth statement of well over 1,000 words on his Instagram profile, explaining his version of events from the international break. 

Ultimately, it sounded like - particularly based on media reports - that the 41-year old would never play for Portugal so long as current manager, Jorge Jesus, was in charge - despite the two having worked together at Al Nassr last season. 

However, it turns out as if he may well play for the national team under Jesus after all. Indeed so, as the president of the Portuguese football federation has on Saturday (the 10th of October) released a statement regarding the future of Ronaldo with Portugal. 

He said: "The federation, the coach, all the team mates are aligned; we want Cristiano back. Cristiano is also willing to return. He's the best of all time." The part about Ronaldo being willing feels key. It sounds like they never wanted to lose him just yet, but they needed that feeling to be reciprocated. Well, if that statement is genuine, it seems as if it is. 

Well, let's wait and see. Portugal will play two more Nations League games next month, at home to Denmark and away to Wales. It will be very interesting indeed to see whether or not the Real Madrid legend is included in the squad for those games by Jesus. 

A penny for the thoughts of current Los Blancos and Portugal national team midfielder, Bernardo Silva - whom is actually the first Portuguese player to play for the club since Ronaldo left, which is quite a surprising stat. Definitely does not feel like eight years went by without a player from Portugal at Real Madrid. But well, there we are. Every day is a school day and all of that. 

No doubt every Real Madrid fan is keeping a very close eye on this situation, no matter what happens.