Bruno Fernandes has described Cristiano Ronaldo as “the greatest symbol” of the Portugal national team, saying the forward’s standing in the country and the game will not change despite his decision to walk out on the squad this week.
Ronaldo said on Wednesday that he had left the team camp after the Portugal coach, Jorge Jesus, told him he would not start against Denmark. Portugal went on to win the Nations League contest 4-2 without him, and Ronaldo’s international future remains in doubt.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the Manchester United midfielder said he had spoken directly with Ronaldo. “Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is this – the most important thing is that, 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,” he added. “There are no divisions in the national team, it is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside.”
Fernandes went on to ask the public not to take sides in the dispute. “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. At the same time, 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.”
His intervention follows a turbulent few days in which Portugal supporters have been split over Ronaldo’s decision, and over the future of the country’s leading goalscorer and most capped men’s player. Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo last Sunday with Ronaldo an unused substitute, then prevailed 4-2 in Copenhagen after his departure from the squad, with Fernandes wearing the captain’s armband. The Nations League holders face Norway again on Sunday, this time in Porto.
Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at the Saudi side Al-Nassr before taking the national team job, called the 41-year-old a “symbol of Portugal” and said there would be time to discuss him after the Norway fixture. “I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe,” said the 72-year-old coach. “That’s the problem right now.”