Bruno Fernandes calls for unity around Cristiano Ronaldo

Bruno Fernandes called for unity after several days of debate in Portugal over Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision and his future with the national team. The Manchester United midfielder reaffirmed Ronaldo’s place in Portuguese football as supporters’ views became divided.

“Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, our football and our country,” Fernandes told reporters on Saturday. He added that Ronaldo had “a reserved place among the best of all time”, as well as in the hearts of the Portuguese people, and urged the country to stop dividing itself.

Fernandes also said there were no divisions within the national team. His remarks came after Ronaldo left the squad camp, a decision that prompted differing reactions. Ronaldo said on Wednesday that he had left camp after the coach, Jorge Jesus, told him he would not start against Denmark.

Portugal subsequently won its Nations League match 4-2 without Ronaldo. His international future remains uncertain. Last week, Portugal had also beaten Norway 2-1 in Oslo, with Ronaldo remaining an unused substitute. In Copenhagen, after Ronaldo’s departure from the squad, Fernandes wore the captain’s armband.

Fernandes’s comments sought to separate the controversy over Ronaldo’s decision from the unity of the squad, while underlining the forward’s standing. Jorge Jesus had also called Ronaldo “a symbol of Portugal” and said there would be time to speak about him after the match against Norway.