Bruno Fernandes has urged unity in the Portugal national team after Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the squad, insisting the veteran forward will never cease to be the greatest symbol of his country.
Ronaldo was left on the bench for the Nations League win over Norway last weekend and left the squad after being told by manager Jorge Jesus that he would not start against Denmark a few days later. Portugal went on to claim a 4-2 win over Denmark on Thursday night, with Fernandes featuring after making his return from injury.
Fernandes reveals conversation with Ronaldo
Speaking during his pre-match media briefing ahead of Portugal's fixture against Norway in Porto on Sunday, the Manchester United captain said he had spoken directly with Ronaldo. "I had a conversation with Cris. What I told him is that the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that he will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team and country, for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world," Fernandes said.
"He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people. We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors. I think that's how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides."
Ronaldo's future in doubt
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for Portugal across his career, but his withdrawal from the squad has placed his international future in considerable doubt. An emergency meeting was convened earlier this week but failed to settle the matter. In a dramatic social media post, the 41-year-old vowed he would "tell all" about the circumstances "in time".
Ronaldo has maintained a low profile in recent days, though his wife Georgina Rodriguez showed the extent of the animosity between the Al-Nassr forward and Jesus. "I don't know how this man can carry the name of Christ," she wrote in a swiftly deleted Instagram post.
Manager draws line under issue
Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season before replacing Roberto Martinez as Portugal head coach, has drawn a line under the issue. "The focus has to be on the national team above all else," he said on Saturday. "Regarding Norway, what we have to do well is for our people to also be in tune with the flag and the objective. Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal. After the game, there is plenty of time to talk about that."
