Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has urged unity in the Portugal national team after Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes(Image: Diogo Faria Reis/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has opened up on what he said to Cristiano Ronaldo after the club legend withdrew from the Portugal squad. 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 in the Nations League, with Fernandes featuring in the game after making his return from injury.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for Portugal across his career, but the former United and Real Madrid star’s withdrawal from the national team’s squad has seen his future become the subject of speculation.
An emergency meeting was convened earlier this week, but failed to settle the matter, leading Ronaldo to withdraw and placing his international future in considerable doubt.
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In a dramatic social media post, the 41-year-old vowed he would "tell all" about the circumstances "in time".
The controversy has dominated preparations for Portugal's fixture against Norway in Porto on Sunday, with Fernandes compelled to address it during his pre-match media briefing.
"To put an end to this matter once and for all, I don't need to speak with my colleagues," the Manchester United captain said.
"We know how to manage our situations. We have a situation that has nothing to do with the players, and our most important role is to deliver results."
Fernandes added: "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.
"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.
"We are out of the matter; we spend a lot of time playing cards and are outside the controversy surrounding this issue, but I ask that the country not be divided, not make choices, and accept all sides.
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"Cris will always be the greatest icon of our national team, of world football, and deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less.
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.
Jesus managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season before replacing Roberto Martinez as Portugal head coach, and the 72-year-old has drawn a line under the issue.
"The focus has to be on the national team above all else," he said bluntly 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."