Jesus made the comments on Sunday after Portugal defeated Norway without Ronaldo to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

The dispute began when Jesus left the 41-year-old Ronaldo on the bench for Portugal’s first victory over Norway. Ronaldo subsequently left the squad on Wednesday after learning he would not start against Denmark.

“For me, Cris, in the next call-up, if he’s playing at Al-Nassr, he’ll be a player who can be called up,” Jesus told reporters. “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.”

Jesus said he would also be willing to speak with Ronaldo before Portugal’s next international fixtures in November.

“If he wants to, as we did before this call-up, we talked before the call-up, we can talk before the next call-up,” the coach said. “But Cris is the one who’s going to decide.”

‘Ronaldo Should Decide How He Leaves’

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player and has represented the national team for more than two decades.

Jesus said he had told Ronaldo that he wanted the veteran forward close to the squad when he took charge after replacing Roberto Martinez following the 2026 World Cup.

“Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it,” Jesus said.

The coach recalled telling Ronaldo: “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,” Jesus added.

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18 and has played at six World Cups. He has previously indicated that the current season will “probably” be his final year in football.

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal became the first team to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals with two group matches still remaining.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future has been thrown into uncertainty after the Portugal superstar left the national team camp following coach Jorge Jesus’s decision not to start him against Denmark.

The 41-year-old announced his departure late Wednesday, shortly after Jesus confirmed at a press conference that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be omitted from the starting line-up for a second successive match.

Ronaldo had been scheduled to train with his teammates at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter but instead left the squad.

“After the press conference of the national team coach, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the role of the national team,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward had remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. He had previously captained Portugal in their 1-0 home win against Wales.

While squad rotation is common in such fixtures, Ronaldo suggested there was more behind his decision to leave.

“In due time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he said.

“Now is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates the very best for the future, without exception.”

According to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca attempted to persuade Ronaldo to remain with the squad before he departed Copenhagen on his private jet.

Jesus Denies Rift

Before Ronaldo’s departure, Jesus insisted there was no dispute between himself and the Portuguese captain, although he acknowledged Ronaldo had been disappointed at not playing against Norway.

“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said.

The coach said Ronaldo had been informed before the Norway match that he would not start but could potentially be introduced as a substitute.

“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus said.

Jesus had also indicated that Goncalo Ramos was expected to start against Denmark.

“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays,” he said.

Following Ronaldo’s departure, the Portuguese federation said preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players and that the squad remained focused on its upcoming fixtures.

Questions Over Ronaldo’s International Future

Ronaldo recently said the current season would “probably” be his final year in football, adding further uncertainty over whether his departure could mark the end of his international career.

He is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

Ronaldo made his senior international debut in 2003 and went on to captain Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. He also featured in the side that reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and has represented his country for more than two decades.

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Bae Jun-ho emerged as South Korea’s hero at Nagai Stadium, arriving at the back post to head home the decisive goal in the 82nd minute.

The Koreans will face either hosts Japan or Uzbekistan in Saturday’s gold-medal match as they seek an impressive fourth consecutive Asian Games title.

“We were expecting a challenging match but we persevered,” South Korea coach Lee Min-sung said.

“We conceded first to make it even harder, but our team fought back, and I’m happy with that.”

China, who have never won the Asian Games men’s football gold medal, were appearing in their first semi-final since 1998 and made a promising start.

Wang Yudong put China ahead in the 22nd minute, finishing an impressive team move with a powerful strike.

South Korea responded just 11 minutes later through Lee Young-jun. China goalkeeper Li Hao managed to get a hand to his header but was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

With the scores level at 1-1, both teams created opportunities during an open second half before Stoke City’s Bae delivered the decisive blow.

His late header ended China’s hopes of reaching the final and kept South Korea on course for another Asian Games football crown.

China coach Antonio Puche said he remained proud of his players despite the disappointment and will now prepare his side for the bronze-medal match.

“I spoke with the players and what I said is that even though we lost, the important thing was that we fought,” Puche said.

“We lost, but we are proud.”

Meanwhile, North Korea will take on Japan in the Asian Games women’s football final.

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The weather-hit quarter-finals saw Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advance to the last four on the basis of their pre-tournament seedings.

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first semi-final at 9am local time, while India will meet Sri Lanka in the second semi-final at 2pm. Both matches are scheduled to be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

The winners will advance to Saturday’s gold-medal match, while the losing semi-finalists will compete for bronze at the same venue.

Although rain remains a possibility on Thursday, forecasts indicate improved conditions for the semi-finals.

Under the tournament playing conditions, a tied semi-final will be decided through a Super Over. However, if weather prevents a semi-final or the subsequent Super Over from being completed, the higher-seeded team will qualify for the final.

Pakistan and India are the higher-seeded teams in their respective semi-finals against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

If the gold-medal match is washed out and cannot be completed, the two finalists will share the gold medal.

The tournament has witnessed an unusual situation in which all four semi-finalists have reached the last four without playing a single ball because of weather-related cancellations.

Nepal, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Hong Kong, China, who qualified for the quarter-finals through the group stage, have meanwhile ended their campaigns. Each recorded one victory, one defeat and one abandoned match during the competition.

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KARACHI: Strong calls have emerged from prominent personalities, civil society members and various segments of the business and media community urging the Government of Pakistan to confer a civil award upon renowned Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Nasir Saleem Nasaka in recognition of what supporters describe as more than half a century of humanitarian and medical service.
The demand gained renewed momentum during the recent 99th birthday ceremony of Dr. N.S. Nasaka, where a cake-cutting event was arranged by Bismil Arts Council at a higher educational institution in Karachi. Participants at the ceremony, including members of civil society and respected community figures, appealed to the federal government to honour Dr. Nasaka with a national civil award in the year marking the beginning of his 100th year. Speakers described the occasion not merely as a birthday celebration but as a tribute to decades of dedication to healing, compassion and public service.
Among those who have consistently voiced admiration for Dr. Nasaka is legendary cricketer Javed Miandad, who has on multiple occasions praised the free services rendered by the veteran Ayurvedic healer. According to individuals familiar with the matter, Miandad has repeatedly recommended that Dr. Nasaka be granted a civil award to acknowledge what he terms an unparalleled commitment to humanity. Supporters maintain that such recognition would not only honour an individual but also highlight the contributions of traditional medicine practitioners serving underprivileged communities across the country.
Dr. Nasir Saleem Nasaka, widely known as Dr. N.S. Nasaka, is regarded by his followers as one of Karachi’s most prominent Ayurvedic healers. For decades, he has been associated with herbal and traditional medicine, offering treatment to patients suffering from chronic and complex illnesses. His supporters state that his practice has focused on serious conditions including cancer, tumors, diabetes, kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, blood disorders and various skin ailments. Testimonials circulated on social media platforms frequently describe cases where patients claim recovery or improvement after undergoing Ayurvedic regimens under his supervision.
Publicly identifying himself as a Doctor, Herbalist and Oncologist practicing Ayurveda, Dr. Nasaka cites qualifications such as D.A.M.S. and M.D.A.M. with distinction and uses the traditional title of Ayurveda Charya. While his name may not appear in conventional medical registries associated with allopathic medicine, his followers argue that his life’s work represents a parallel system of healing rooted in centuries-old traditions. They emphasize that countless patients who turned to him after exhausting other options found renewed hope through his treatments.
A central element of Dr. Nasaka’s public image is his humanitarian approach. Numerous supporters recount that he has provided free consultations to those unable to afford medical expenses. Videos and public messages attributed to him often include appeals for donations to assist financially struggling patients in obtaining herbal medicines. Advocates claim that this philanthropic dimension of his work sets him apart, portraying him as a healer motivated not by profit but by service. Business community leaders and journalists who have interacted with him describe him as accessible and committed to assisting the economically marginalized.
Over the years, Dr. Nasaka has also appeared in media interviews discussing his methods and sharing patient experiences. Opinion writers and community commentators have periodically suggested that his decades-long service warrants official recognition at the national level. Supporters argue that civil awards are meant to honour individuals who have made sustained contributions to society, and they contend that Dr. Nasaka’s lifetime of service aligns with that spirit.
At the birthday ceremony marking his 99 years and the commencement of his 100th year, speakers highlighted that the centennial milestone presents what they described as a historic opportunity for the state to acknowledge his services. Participants collectively urged the Government of Pakistan to include his name in this year’s list of civil award recipients. They maintained that honouring him would not only celebrate an individual healer but also recognize the cultural and historical significance of traditional medicine within Pakistan’s diverse healthcare landscape.
While alternative medicine practitioners often face debate regarding scientific validation, Dr. Nasaka’s supporters insist that public trust and the lived experiences of patients stand as a powerful testament to his impact. They believe that recognition through a civil award would symbolize respect for humanitarian dedication regardless of medical school of thought.
As the nation approaches another cycle of civil award announcements, voices from sports, media, business and civil society continue to call upon authorities to consider Dr. Nasir Saleem Nasaka’s name. For his admirers, the centenary of his birth represents not merely a milestone in years but a celebration of resilience, service and compassion that they believe deserves formal acknowledgement at the highest level of the state.

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The Reds, who lifted the Premier League title last season under manager Arne Slot, have endured a difficult run after an impressive start to their 2025–26 campaign. Having won their opening five league fixtures, they have since stumbled, suffering four consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 loss to Brentford last week.

Following that defeat, former Manchester United and England striker Rooney suggested that Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had not “really led that team this season.” Van Dijk responded firmly after Liverpool’s 2-0 rebound victory against Aston Villa on Saturday.

“I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk said. “Just to come back to this particular player — obviously a legend, a big player who inspired many — I can say only positive things. But I feel that comment is a bit of a lazy criticism.

“It’s easy to blame the other players, but he knows we do it together, trying to help each other and get out of this. Last year when things go well, you don’t hear that at all. It is what it is.”

Van Dijk added that he harbours “no hard feelings” toward Rooney or other pundits, saying, “They have a job to do, to give opinions. I don’t take it personally.”

In his latest podcast, Rooney stood by his assessment while acknowledging Van Dijk’s world-class pedigree. “I’ve got full respect for Virgil — he’s been one of the best defenders in the world over the past five years,” Rooney said. “But my job as a pundit is to give my opinions. I just feel he hasn’t quite been at his best this season, and that’s what I said — and I stand by it.”

Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, as they prepare for a crucial week featuring back-to-back clashes — hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday before facing Manchester City away on Sunday.

Addressing speculation that Arne Slot could be under pressure, Van Dijk dismissed such talk: “I’ve heard those reports, but I don’t think we’re a club that makes rash decisions. We all believe we can work our way out of this. As long as we stay humble, keep believing, and keep working, we’ll be fine.”

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Afridi’s selection reflects a growing openness by selectors to reward domestic consistency rather than just youth potential. Over his long career, he has taken more than 500 first-class wickets and has been a reliable performer for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the domestic circuit. Despite his performances, he had never been seriously considered for national selection — until now.

“I never gave up,” Afridi said in a brief statement after receiving his cap. “It has taken years of hard work, discipline, and belief. Wearing the Pakistan Test shirt is a dream come true.”

The decision to field Afridi came as Pakistan looked to strengthen its spin department on a dry and turning Rawalpindi pitch. Injuries to frontline bowlers and a desire to add variety to the attack created the opening that finally allowed Afridi to step onto the international stage.

Former cricketers praised the selection, calling it a refreshing change from the trend of picking young, inexperienced players for long-format cricket. “He brings maturity, control, and temperament—things you can’t teach overnight,” said former captain Misbah-ul-Haq. “This is a great message for domestic players that hard work is eventually rewarded.”

Pakistan’s cricket selectors, led by Wahab Riaz, have also defended the move as part of a balanced squad strategy. “Our aim is to field the best possible team, regardless of age,” Wahab said. “Afridi has been among the top wicket-takers for years.”

Fans on social media have rallied behind the 38-year-old, calling him “the people’s cricketer” and celebrating his perseverance. His debut also raises questions about Pakistan’s domestic talent pipeline and the timing of player promotions to the national team.

As Pakistan faces South Africa in a crucial match that could impact its position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, Afridi’s story adds a compelling human element to the contest — a reminder that dreams in cricket don’t have an expiry date.

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KARACHI: The world of snooker in Pakistan stands in mourning. Silence fills the snooker halls as cue sticks rest and the familiar roll of colored balls pauses-paying tribute to the late Ali Asghar Valika, a pioneer of cue sports in Pakistan and a distinguished sports administrator, who passed away last week in Karachi at the age of 78.
With profound grief, the sporting community-particularly those in cue sports-remembers a man whose dedication, vision, and leadership transformed snooker in the country. Ali Asghar Valika was not only a patron of the game but also a guiding force who elevated snooker to national prominence, earning international recognition for Pakistan.
His journey with the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) began in 1986, and just two years later, in 1988, he was elected unopposed as its President-a position he held for five terms. Under his stewardship, snooker flourished. Pakistan successfully hosted two prestigious events during his tenure: the Asian Snooker Championship in 1991 and the World Snooker Championship in 1993. These milestones were a testament to his administrative acumen and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Beyond national borders, Valika also made his mark internationally. He was twice elected President of the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports, earning praise from stakeholders across the continent. Moreover, he became the only Pakistani to serve as Vice President of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation, bringing honor and visibility to Pakistan on the global stage.
Ali Asghar Valika’s legacy goes far beyond titles and events. He will be remembered for his integrity, humility, and tireless efforts to promote snooker as a sport accessible to all. His passion, generosity, and leadership inspired countless players, officials, and enthusiasts, leaving a lasting imprint on the fabric of Pakistani sports.
He is survived by his family, friends, and an entire sporting community that will dearly miss him-not just as a leader, but as a kind and compassionate human being.
Rest in peace, Ali Asghar Valika. Your legacy lives on through every cue strike and every young player who dares to dream.

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