Bruno Fernandes Urges National Unity and Praises Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of Norway Clash

Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes stated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the nation's ultimate football icon, despite the superstar walking out of the squad this week after learning he would be benched.

The 41-year-old veteran revealed on Wednesday that he departed the team following coach Jorge Jesus's decision to leave him out of the starting lineup against Denmark in the Nations League, a fixture Portugal ultimately won 4-2. Following his abrupt departure, the future of the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star—who holds the records for most goals and appearances for the national team—remains uncertain.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Fernandes addressed the situation: “Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I 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.”

Amid fan division over the incident, the Manchester United midfielder appealed for solidarity. “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,” Fernandes noted. “There are no divisions in the national team, it is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside… We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides, but, at the same time, Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or (who likes him) less.”

Having secured victories away against Norway and Denmark without Ronaldo in the starting XI, Portugal prepares to face Norway again on Sunday. Coach Jesus emphasized his focus on the upcoming fixture in Porto, noting that Ronaldo is a “symbol of Portugal” and that discussions regarding the player will happen after Sunday's match. “I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. That’s the problem right now,” stated the 72-year-old coach.