Fernandes backs Ronaldo as Portugal win without him
Bruno Fernandes has told Portugal supporters not to divide over Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting he will never stop being the national team's greatest symbol.
The Manchester United captain spoke after a turbulent week in which Portugal won twice without starting their record scorer. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen, then followed it with a 2-1 win in Norway in the Nations League, Europe's international competition played between major tournaments. The Guardian
Ronaldo was not involved in Denmark. He said he left the squad's camp after head coach Jorge Jesus told him he would not start the game on Thursday 1 October.
Ronaldo announced his departure on Wednesday in an Instagram statement, saying he was heading home after Jesus's comments at a press conference. Jesus said he had not planned to start the 41-year-old against Denmark, but stressed there was no feud between them and that Ronaldo had not refused to train. ESPN
The pair know each other well. Jesus coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr before taking the Portugal job. Jesus has described Ronaldo as a symbol of Portugal and said there would be time to speak about him properly after the Norway game.
Fernandes wore the captain's armband in Copenhagen in Ronaldo's absence. He set up two goals in the 4-2 win, in which Vitinha was also on the scoresheet, and he remained a central figure as Portugal kept its perfect Nations League record.
Speaking after the Norway game, where Ronaldo was an unused substitute, a player kept on the bench throughout, Fernandes said there were no divisions inside the squad. He revealed he had spoken with Ronaldo after he left the camp and asked fans and the country not to split into camps. Yahoo Sports
He also said the players want to give Jesus a headache. He meant it as a compliment. Play so well that the coach has a difficult choice when he picks the next team.
What makes this stand out is the tone. Fernandes did not downplay Ronaldo, and he did not criticise his coach. He praised the squad's response and framed the two away wins as proof the group can cope while its most famous player is out of the starting side.
Portugal now move forward with momentum and an open question. Jesus has selection power, Ronaldo has history, and Fernandes sits between them as stand-in captain and peacemaker.
