Fernandes: No split in Portugal squad after Ronaldo exit
Bruno Fernandes insists there is no split in Portugal's squad after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team camp. He says the group remains united and focused.
Speaking at a Portugal news conference on Saturday, Fernandes said he had held a conversation with Ronaldo, according to BBC. The Manchester United midfielder faced questions about the captain's exit. He backed Ronaldo in strong terms.
Ronaldo left the training camp in Copenhagen after head coach Jorge Jesus told him he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, UEFA's competition for national teams. Ronaldo later confirmed he had left the camp, as reported by Reuters. Portugal played on without him. They beat Denmark 4-2.
Fernandes called Ronaldo the greatest symbol of Portugal's national team, football and country. He said that status will never cease. He added that Ronaldo has a reserved place among the best of all time. He said he also holds that place in the hearts of all Portuguese people.
He was firm on unity. There are no divisions in the national team, he said. He asked Portugal as a country not to divide itself over Ronaldo. He urged everyone to respect all sides.
Jesus has struck a similar note. Portugal's coach described Ronaldo as a symbol of Portugal.
The record explains the emotion. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal. Both figures are national records. He helped Portugal win Euro 2016, Europe's men's international title, and the Nations League twice.
If you are new to this, here is why it matters. Ronaldo is Portugal's record scorer and record appearance holder. Leaving him out, even for one game, is a huge call. Winning 4-2 without him only adds to the noise.
What makes this stand out is Fernandes stepping forward. He is a senior player. He understands the dressing room. He also understands what Ronaldo means to supporters in the street, the cafe and the school playground.
For fans, this means a waiting game. Portugal must prepare for what comes next. Ronaldo must decide what he wants next. Fernandes has asked for calm while those answers arrive.
