Bruno Fernandes has revealed he has spoken with Cristiano Ronaldo after the veteran striker abruptly left Portugal's camp during the international break. Ronaldo, 41, departed the national team setup after a rift with new manager Jorge Jesus, who left him out of the 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo last weekend.
Ronaldo left out against Norway
The former Manchester United forward was an unused substitute at the Ullevaal Stadion, where Portugal beat Erling Haaland's side thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos. The pair were selected ahead of Ronaldo in the strike partnership of Jesus' diamond formation.
Incensed at being left out entirely, the captain left for Madrid before Portugal's trip to Denmark, where they won 4-2 in his absence.
Fernandes: Ronaldo is our greatest symbol
Fernandes, who was Ronaldo's club-mate at United during the 2021-22 season, has since spoken with his compatriot about the incident. "I had a conversation with [Cristiano], and what I told him, which I'll repeat here, is this: 'The most important thing is that, 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 done not only in Portugal but throughout the world'," he said.
"He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things."
No divide in the dressing room
Fernandes, who survived an injury scare while on international duty, insisted there was no divide in the Portugal dressing room as a result of Ronaldo's exit. "The most important thing is that this ends well for both sides," he continued. "[The players] are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, and respects all sides."
"But, at the same time, Cristiano is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, and he deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or less."
