Pase: Cristiano Ronaldo will always remain Portugal’s “greatest symbol”

“Whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the greatest symbol,” Pase said. Bruno Fernandes has also spoken about the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal squad, urging the country not to become divided and calling for the matter to be handled privately.

At a news conference at Do Dragão ahead of Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway, Fernandes urged people to “live through all this as one” and respect all sides. He also revealed that he had spoken to Ronaldo after the captain’s departure, amid internal disagreements. Fernandes said he had told him that, whatever happened, he would remain a major symbol of the national team, Portuguese football and the country, given what he had achieved in Portugal and around the world.

The midfielder stressed the need to avoid division and settle disagreements in private. He also said Portugal’s players were staying out of the matter and that their main role was to deliver results on the pitch.

Ronaldo will not be present against Norway. He abruptly left the squad on Wednesday after disagreements with new coach Jorge Jesus. The departure came after he was not selected to play against Norway in Oslo on September 27, in a match that ended 1-2.