Ronaldo will remain Portugal’s greatest football icon, says Bruno Fernandes
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has defended Cristiano Ronaldo’s status as the country’s greatest football icon, calling for unity after the veteran forward left the national team camp following a decision not to start him in a UEFA Nations League match.
Ronaldo, 41, left the camp after coach Jorge Jesus informed him he would not start against Denmark, a match Portugal won 4-2. The decision has cast uncertainty over the future of the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with the national team.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Fernandes said he had spoken with Ronaldo and reiterated that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would remain “the greatest symbol” of Portugal, its football and the country because of his achievements at home and internationally.
Fernandes also urged Portuguese fans to avoid further division over the issue, stressing that the national team remains united despite the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s departure.
“He has a reserved place not only among the best in history, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people,” Fernandes said, while calling for respect for all sides. Portugal have won away against Norway and Denmark without Ronaldo starting and are scheduled to face Norway again on Sunday.
Jesus also described Ronaldo as a “symbol for Portugal” and said there would be time to discuss the forward’s situation after Sunday’s match in Porto. The 72-year-old coach said his immediate focus was on Portugal’s match against Norway, which he described as one of Europe’s top five teams.
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