Midfielder Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal’s main symbol — The Guardian

In Portugal, national team midfielder Bruno Fernandes said that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the greatest symbol of the team, Portuguese football and the country. He urged fans not to divide the national team into camps after Ronaldo left the training camp.

Call for unity

As The Guardian reports, Fernandes said that he had spoken with Ronaldo. According to him, regardless of what happens next, the 41-year-old footballer will remain the greatest symbol of the Portuguese national team, football and the country thanks to his achievements in Portugal and around the world.

Fernandes also stated that there is no split in the national team and that it will preserve its unity despite outside noise. He asked the Portuguese not to take anyone’s side in this situation and stressed that Ronaldo deserves respect regardless of the views of individual fans.

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Ronaldo’s departure from the camp

Ronaldo said on Wednesday that he had left the national team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus told him that he would not include him in the starting lineup for the match against Denmark. Without Ronaldo, Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in a Nations League match.

Before that, the Portuguese beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo, and Ronaldo did not take to the field. After his departure, Fernandes wore the captain’s armband in the match in Copenhagen. The reigning Nations League winners will play their next match against Norway in Porto.

Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, also called the footballer a symbol of Portugal. The coach said that he is focused on preparing for the match against Norway and will comment on the situation with Ronaldo in more detail after the game.