Bruno Fernandes has said Cristiano Ronaldo remains “the greatest symbol” of the Portugal team, despite his decision to walk out on the squad this week. Ronaldo said on Wednesday he had left the team camp after the Portugal coach, Jorge Jesus, said he would not start against Denmark. Portugal went on to win the Nations League contest 4-2 without him, and Ronaldo’s international future remains in doubt.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes called for unity after a tumultuous few days in which Portugal fans’ opinions have been split over Ronaldo’s decision, and the future for their country’s leading goalscorer and most capped men’s player. The Nations League holders face Norway again on Sunday, this time in Porto. Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Saudi side Al-Nassr before taking the national team job, said the 41-year-old was a “symbol of Portugal,” adding that there would be time to speak about him after the Norway game.
That’s the problem right now,” said the 72-year-old coach.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
