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Fernandes Defends Ronaldo as Portugal's Greatest Icon
Confirmed
In Short: Portugal's playmaker Bruno Fernandes defended Cristiano Ronaldo as the country's greatest footballing icon, despite the star's recent walkout from the national team.
Portugal's playmaker Bruno Fernandes defended Cristiano Ronaldo as the country's greatest footballing icon, despite the star's recent walkout from the national team.
Fernandes told reporters on Saturday that Ronaldo's status as a symbol of Portugal remains unshaken, regardless of the controversy.
Ronaldo left the Portugal squad after coach Jorge Jesus informed him he would not start in the match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old superstar's departure came after a series of events that included his absence from the Denmark game, where Portugal won 4-2.
Fernandes also called for unity among fans, whose opinions have been divided over Ronaldo's decision to leave the team.
What this adds
Ronaldo's future with the national team remains uncertain after his walkout, despite his record-breaking achievements for Portugal.
Portugal currently leads Group A4 with nine points from nine matches and is set to play Norway at home on Sunday.
Background
Ronaldo's private jet was heading to Copenhagen, and he shared a message on social media announcing his decision to leave the national team camp.
Norway will face Portugal in a UEFA Nations League match in Oslo, with Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo set to duel.
What's confirmed
- Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest footballing icon despite walking out on the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match.
- The 41-year-old superstar said on Wednesday that he had left the team after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him.
- “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,” Fernandes told reporters on Saturday.
- Manchester United midfielder Fernandes called for unity after a tumultuous few days in which Portugal fans’ opinions have been split over Ronaldo’s decision.
- Coach Jesus said Ronaldo was a “symbol of Portugal” and said there would be time to speak about him after Sunday’s game in Porto.
- Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Ronaldo’s future with the national team, for whom he is the leading goalscorer and most capped player, is in doubt after his walk out.
What's still developing
- They reached the last 16 of this summer's World Cup, before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain, although then manager Roberto Martinez was criticised for rarely substituting Ronaldo, even if he was playing poorly.
- Portugal began with a 1-0 home win over Wales, with Ronaldo playing the opening 67 minutes, but he was an unused substitute in the 2-1 away victory over Norway and then left the squad before the Denmark game.
- The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has scored 146 goals from 234 matches with Portugal - both record figures - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
- Jesus, who had been Ronaldo's club manager at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, replaced Martinez for the Nations League campaign.
- After three matches, Portugal are top of Group A4 with nine points from nine and play Norway at home on Sunday.
- In a post on Instagram, Ronaldo said he would “in due course… tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons” behind the decision.
- Manchester United captain Fernandes – who also played along Ronaldo during his second spell at Old Trafford, maintains whenever the dust eventually settles from the fallout – there can be no question of just what the 41-year-old has achieved for his country.