Bruno Fernandes backs Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal squad walkout
Bruno Fernandes said on Saturday that Cristiano Ronaldo remains "the greatest symbol" of Portugal despite the 41-year-old leaving the national team camp earlier in the week during the Nations League, after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo walked out following Jesus's decision and Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2 without him, leaving the forward's international future uncertain and prompting a divided reaction among supporters. Fernandes, speaking at a news conference, urged unity and played a public role in addressing the fallout from the selection dispute.
Fernandes told reporters on Saturday: “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.”
He added: “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 added. “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 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.”
Portugal had named Ronaldo as an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo last Sunday, and Fernandes wore the captain's armband in Copenhagen after Ronaldo's departure from the squad for the Denmark match. The team began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 home win over Wales in which Ronaldo played the opening 67 minutes.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, figures described in the coverage as records, and he played roles in Portugal's Euro 2016 success and their two Nations League titles, including scoring in the 2-2 draw before the 2025 final against Spain that Portugal won on penalties. Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Saudi side Al-Nassr before taking the national team job, said the 41-year-old was a “symbol of Portugal,” and that there would be time to speak about him after the Norway game.
After three matches Portugal sit top of Group A4 with nine points from nine and are due to play Norway at home on Sunday in Porto; the group stage concludes next month with home matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November. If Portugal finish in the top two of the section they would qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals in March, with semi-finals and a final following in June.
Portugal's immediate fixture is the home game against Norway on Sunday in Porto, a result that will determine whether they maintain top spot in Group A4 and preserve their path to the March quarter-finals.