Cristiano Ronaldo: Bruno Fernandes says absent superstar is 'greatest symbol of Portugal'
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes affirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country's greatest football figure despite his recent departure from the national squad after learning he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League.
- Ronaldo, 41, holds Portugal's records for most goals (146) and appearances (234), having helped the team win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice, but his international future is now uncertain.
- Fernandes emphasized unity within the national team, urging the country to respect all sides and avoid division amid the controversy surrounding Ronaldo's status.
- Portugal won the 2025 Nations League, with Ronaldo scoring in the final against Spain, but his playing time has diminished under coach Jorge Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez after the World Cup.
- Ronaldo played 67 minutes in a Nations League win over Wales but was an unused substitute against Norway and left the squad before the Denmark match, which Portugal won 4-2 without him.
