Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo would remain Portugal’s greatest symbol despite the controversy surrounding his departure from the national team. Speaking to journalists ahead of the match against Norway, Fernandes renewed his call for unity within the team.
Fernandes, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, said he had spoken with Ronaldo and stressed that, whatever happens, Ronaldo would not lose his place in Portugal’s national team and the country’s history because of what he has achieved.
Fernandes said Ronaldo’s place among the greatest footballers of all time, as well as his place in the hearts of the Portuguese people, was permanent.
Fernandes calls for unity
Rejecting assessments that Portugal’s national team was divided, Fernandes said problems should be resolved between the parties behind closed doors. Saying that the players were staying out of the dispute, Fernandes added that they spent a significant part of their time together playing alongside their teammates.
Fernandes stressed that the country should not take sides or become divided. Saying that Ronaldo was one of the greatest symbols of the national team, Portugal and world football, Fernandes said the player deserved the respect of all Portuguese people.
Ronaldo leaves national team camp
Ronaldo announced that he had left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen after head coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark. The footballer, who has won five Ballon d’Or awards, remained on the bench without coming on during the 2-1 victory over Norway.
Ronaldo said he had decided to leave the camp after the national team coach’s press conference and his meeting with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. The footballer said he would explain the reasons for his departure later.
Portugal maintained its perfect start in Nations League Group A4 by beating Denmark 4-2 in a match Ronaldo did not play.
Ronaldo’s Portugal career
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals and its most-capped player, with 234 appearances. He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles.
Jorge Jesus also acknowledged Ronaldo’s importance to Portuguese football but said the focus should first and foremost be on the national team. Portugal will host Norway at Estádio do Dragão in Porto.
