Bruno Fernandes has given his first Ronaldo Portugal update since Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the national squad, confirming on 3 October that the pair have spoken directly about the row. Fernandes says Ronaldo remains Portugal’s greatest symbol, and that the issue should be sorted out behind closed doors.
The update follows Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark in the Nations League on Thursday night, a game Ronaldo missed after leaving the squad.
Fernandes on Ronaldo
Ronaldo left the Portugal squad after manager Jorge Jesus told him he would not start against Denmark a few days later. Fernandes was asked about the fallout in a pre-match media briefing and made it clear he didn’t want the row to overshadow the squad.
Asked whether he felt the need to address his Portugal teammates over the row, Fernandes said no.
“To put an end to this matter once and for all, I don’t need to speak with my colleagues,” he said. He added:
“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.”
Portugal beat Denmark 4-2
Portugal answered the controversy on the pitch, beating Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League on Thursday night. The win kept the squad’s attention on results rather than the row surrounding Ronaldo’s withdrawal.
What Fernandes said about the issue
Fernandes gave his fullest explanation when asked directly about his conversation with Ronaldo.
“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 said.
Fernandes also spoke about where Ronaldo stands in the game. He said Ronaldo holds a place among the best players of all time, and in the hearts of the Portuguese people.
“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,” Fernandes said.
On the wider row, Fernandes was clear the squad must stay united.
“We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors,” he said.
Fernandes also said the players are keeping their own distance from the row, spending their spare time on cards rather than on the controversy around Ronaldo.
“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,” he said.
What happens next
Jorge Jesus has given his own view on where the situation goes from here.
“The focus has to be on the national team above all else,” he said, before adding:
“After the game, there is plenty of time to talk about that.”
Fernandes sounds just as confident the row will not drag on.
“I think that’s how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides,” he said.
That is the clearest Ronaldo Portugal update so far. There is no resolution confirmed, but Fernandes and Jesus are saying the same thing. Supporters can read more in the original report.
