Porto (Portugal) (AFP) - Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is still the country's greatest football icon, despite his departure from the national team camp this week after learning that he would not start a European Nations League match.

Published on: 03/10/2026 - 19:46

The 41-year-old star said on Wednesday that he left the national team after coach Jorge Jesus informed him that he would not start against Denmark, in a match that Portugal won 4-2 without him.

The future of the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker with the national team, in which he is the top scorer and the most participating player in its ranks, has become in doubt after his departure from the camp.

Manchester United midfielder Fernandes told reporters on Saturday: “As for Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I said to him and I repeat here is the following: The most important thing is that no matter what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the greatest symbol of our national team, our football and the country, for what he has achieved not only in Portugal but throughout the world.”

Fernandes called for unity after turbulent days during which Portuguese fans' opinions were divided regarding Ronaldo's decision.

He added, "He has a reserved place not only among the best in history, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese. The most important thing is that we stop dividing things."

The midfielder continued, "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 far from this controversy, but what I ask is for the country not to be divided, not to take sides, and to respect all parties. But at the same time, Chris is and will remain the greatest symbol of our team, and he deserves the respect of everyone, regardless of who loves him more or less."

Portugal beat Norway and Denmark outside its home country without Ronaldo, the Saudi Al-Nasr star, starting, and will face Norway again on Sunday.

Coach Jesus said that Ronaldo is “a symbol of Portugal,” adding that there will be time to talk about him after Sunday’s match in Porto.

The 72-year-old coach added, "I will focus on the team and the opponent, which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. This is the issue now."

© 2026 AFP

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