Bruno Fernandes has said Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a beautiful farewell from the Portugal national team and should not exit amid division.
The Manchester United midfielder said he spoke with Ronaldo out of respect after the 41-year-old abruptly left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday following a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo left after being benched against Norway and told he would not start against Denmark. Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2 without him, with Fernandes captaining the side.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League clash with Norway in Porto, Fernandes said, “I hope Cristiano does not leave the national team and when or if he wants, it should be on a beautiful day to celebrate Cristiano, not like this.”
He described Ronaldo as the greatest symbol of Portugal’s national team and football, saying he took the country’s name to a level never seen before.
Fernandes also dismissed talk of a rift in the squad, insisting the national team remains united despite outside noise.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s record scorer with 146 goals in 234 caps, said he will explain his reasons in due course.
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