Bruno Fernandes has changed his stance on Cristiano Ronaldo following the former Manchester United star's fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo stormed out of the Portugal camp after being an unused substitute in the 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, and then missed the 4-2 victory in Denmark.
Fernandes praises Ronaldo's legacy
Fernandes, who played alongside Ronaldo at United and for Portugal, said there can be no question of what the 41-year-old has achieved for his country. He called Ronaldo the "greatest symbol of our national team and country for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world."
He added: "He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people."
Contrast with 2022 response
This is a far cry from Fernandes' response after Ronaldo's acrimonious departure from United four years ago, following his interview with Piers Morgan. At that time, Fernandes refused to take sides, saying: "I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever."
Footage then emerged of an awkward handshake between the pair on international duty, though Fernandes insisted there was no issue. After a 4-0 win over Nigeria, he told Sky Sports: "I have no problem with anyone. I do my job and as a manager once said to me, everything that you can control is yourself."
Ronaldo rejects peace talks
Fernandes and Ronaldo may have played together for the last time after Ronaldo reportedly rejected peace talks with Jesus, his former manager at Al-Nassr. Jesus said he would be willing to meet with Ronaldo, but only after the Nations League game against Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo appears to have shunned that option after arranging to fly back to Saudi Arabia on a private jet, according to Portuguese outlet Abola. It had been claimed by Record that a meeting between the pair could have taken place in Madrid, but that now looks unlikely.
