Bruno Fernandes: Ronaldo will remain the greatest symbol of Portugal

Portuguese footballer Bruno Fernandes has affirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest football icon, despite the star’s departure from the national team camp this week after learning he would not start in one of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League matches.

The 41-year-old star said on Wednesday that he left the squad after coach Jorge Jesus informed him he would not be in the starting lineup against Denmark, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him.

The future of the Real Madrid forward and former Manchester United player, who tops the national team’s all-time scoring charts and holds the record for most appearances, has been called into question following his exit from the camp.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Manchester United midfielder Fernandes said, “Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. What I told him, and what I repeat here, is this: Most importantly, 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 achieved not only in Portugal but all over the world.”

He added, “He has a place reserved not only among the best in history, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people. Most importantly, we must stop dividing things.”

He continued, “There are no divisions in the national team; it is one and will remain so, despite any noise coming from outside. We are far from this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, that no one takes sides, and that all parties are respected. At the same time, Cristiano is, and will remain, the greatest symbol of our national team. He deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who loves him more or less.”

Portugal defeated Norway and Denmark away from home without Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr star, starting, and they face Norway again on Sunday.

Coach Jesus stated that Ronaldo is “a symbol of Portugal,” adding that there would be time to discuss him after Sunday’s match in Porto.

The 72-year-old manager added, “I will focus on the team and on the opponent, which is Norway, one of the top five national teams in Europe. That is the issue now.”