Get you up to speed: Fernandes hails Ronaldo and calls for Portugal unity ahead of Norway game
Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the Portugal squad after being informed by coach Jorge Jesus that he would not start in a Nations League match against Denmark, which Portugal won 4-2. Bruno Fernandes emphasised Ronaldo’s status as the team’s greatest symbol and called for unity among fans ahead of the upcoming game against Norway in Porto.
Portugal won their recent Nations League match against Denmark 4-2, with Cristiano Ronaldo not participating. Coach Jorge Jesus stated that discussions regarding Ronaldo’s future with the national team will take place after their upcoming match against Norway in Porto.
Bruno Fernandes emphasised Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring status as Portugal’s “greatest symbol” and called for national unity amid mixed reactions from fans following Ronaldo’s withdrawal. Coach Jorge Jesus stated that he would focus on the upcoming match against Norway and indicated that discussions regarding Ronaldo’s future would take place after the game.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how Cristiano Ronaldo’s walkout will affect his future with the national team.
Fernandes praises Ronaldo as Portugal seeks unity ahead of Norway match
Sport|FootballFernandes hails Ronaldo and calls for Portugal unity ahead of Norway game
Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the Portugal squad, but Bruno Fernandes says forward remains team’s ‘greatest symbol’.
Published On 3 Oct 20263 Oct 2026
Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest footballing icon despite walking out on the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match.
The 41-year-old superstar said on Wednesday that he had left the team after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker’s future with the national team, for whom he is the leading goalscorer and most capped player, is in doubt after his walkout.
“Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is this – the most important thing is that, regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world,” Fernandes told reporters on Saturday.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes called for unity after a tumultuous few days in which Portugal fans’ opinions have been split over Ronaldo’s decision.
“He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things,” said Fernandes.
“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 outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides, but, at the same time, Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or (who likes him) less.”
Portugal beat Norway and Denmark away from home without Ronaldo starting and face Norway again on Sunday.
Coach Jesus said Ronaldo was a “symbol of Portugal” and said there would be time to speak about him after Sunday’s game in Porto.
“I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. That’s the problem right now,” said the 72-year-old coach.