Bruno Fernandes has said Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s greatest footballing symbol, while calling for unity after the forward left the squad when told he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo announced his departure on Wednesday after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus indicated he would not be in the starting line-up for the Nations League match. Portugal went on to win 4-2 without their captain.
The 41-year-old’s future with the national team is now uncertain. Ronaldo is Portugal’s leading goalscorer and most-capped player, as well as a former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward.
Fernandes said he had spoken to Ronaldo and urged Portuguese supporters not to become divided over the dispute.
“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,” the Manchester United midfielder told reporters.
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 insisted there was no split within the Portugal team despite the reaction surrounding Ronaldo’s decision.
“There are no divisions in the national team, it is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside,” he said.
“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, but, 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 less.”
Portugal have won away against Norway and Denmark without Ronaldo starting, and face Norway again on Sunday.
Jesus described Ronaldo as a “symbol of Portugal” but said he would address the situation after the match in Porto.
“I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. That’s the problem right now,” said the 72-year-old coach.
