Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains the greatest symbol of Portugal’s national team despite the forward leaving the squad after learning he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo, 41, departed the Portugal camp after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed he would be on the bench for the Nations League fixture, which Portugal won 4-2 without him.
Speaking at a Portugal news conference, Fernandes said he had spoken with Ronaldo and stressed that the veteran forward continued to command the respect of the national team and Portuguese football.
“Regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world,” Fernandes said.
“He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things.
“There are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside.
“We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides. Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team; he deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or who likes him less,” he said.
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Ronaldo is Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He has helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
However, his international future has come under renewed uncertainty following his departure from the squad.
Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final following a 2-2 draw in which Ronaldo scored.
The team reached the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain. Former coach Roberto Martinez faced criticism during the tournament over his continued use of Ronaldo despite some underwhelming performances.
Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, replaced Martinez and began his tenure with the Nations League campaign.
Portugal opened the campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Wales, with Ronaldo playing for 67 minutes. He was then an unused substitute in the 2-1 away win over Norway before leaving the squad ahead of the Denmark match.
Portugal currently lead Group A4 with nine points from three matches and host Norway in Porto on Sunday.
Jesus said Ronaldo remained a “symbol of Portugal” but indicated that further discussion about the forward would come after the Norway game.
“I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. That’s the problem right now,” said the 72-year-old coach.
Portugal will conclude the group phase next month with a home fixture against Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17.
The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals in March, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for June.
BBC
