Fernandes: Ronaldo Portugal’s ‘greatest symbol’

Cristiano Ronaldo will always be the “greatest symbol” of Portugal’s national team and country, according to Bruno Fernandes.

The Al Nassr forward and five-time Ballon d’Or winner left the camp ahead of their last match against Denmark in Copenhagen after discussions with Portuguese Football Federation present Pedro Proenca.

In a post on Instagram, Ronaldo said he would “in due course… tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons” behind the decision.

Portugal maintained their perfect start to Nations League Group A4 with a 4-2 victory over Denmark on Thursday night, and next host Norway in Porto on Sunday.

Manchester United captain Fernandes — who also played alongside Ronaldo during his second spell at Old Trafford, maintains whenever the dust eventually settles from the fallout — there can be no question of just what the 41-year-old has achieved for his country.

“To put an end to this matter once and for all, I don’t need to speak with my colleagues,” Fernandes said at a news conference, as reported by Portuguese media.

“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.”

Fernandes continued: “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.

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“He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people.

“We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors. I think that’s how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides.

“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.

“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.”

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus was Ronaldo’s club manager at Al Nassr when they won the Saudi Pro League title last season.

Jesus also looked to draw a line under the saga ahead of the match against Norway at the Estadio Do Dragao.

“The focus has to be on the national team above all else,” he said at a news conference.

“Regarding Norway, what we have to do well is for our people to also be in tune with the flag and the objective.

“Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal. After the game, there is plenty of time to talk about that.”