Bruno Fernandes has urged Portugal supporters not to take sides over the controversy involving Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting there is “no division” within the national team and that Ronaldo remains an enduring symbol of Portuguese football.
Speaking at a news conference before Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Norway, Fernandes said the squad should focus on producing results while allowing any disputes outside the team to be resolved privately.
Portugal had to withstand considerable pressure in the previous match against Norway, according to Fernandes, who was unavailable for that fixture. He acknowledged that Norway’s quality created problems but praised Portugal’s defensive work.
“We might have given the opponent more chances than we expected, but at the same time, our defence was very effective,” he said. “There are always areas for improvement in every game.”
Fernandes added that winning away from home was becoming increasingly difficult and described the three points from the earlier match as important to Portugal’s campaign. He said the team would target another victory to move closer to its objective.
Fernandes praises Portugal’s squad depth
Asked about the competition for places under Jorge Jesus’ tactical system, Fernandes said selection decisions belonged solely to the manager.
“Who gets opportunities and who doesn’t is up to the coach to decide,” he said. “Fortunately, it’s not up to me, because the Portuguese team has many excellent players.”
Fernandes pointed to the previous match as evidence of the squad’s versatility, noting that Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes and Felix had all played together despite operating in similar positions.
He said competition should be viewed positively, with players seeking to make the manager’s decisions more difficult rather than treating reduced playing time as a problem.
“We all want to play,” Fernandes said. “That’s why we are here, and also to give the coach a headache, to make it increasingly difficult for him to make choices.”
The Manchester United midfielder said he did not need to discuss the current controversy with his team-mates, adding that the players understood how to deal with their own situations and should contribute by performing on the pitch.
‘Ronaldo deserves the respect of all Portuguese people’
Fernandes said he had spoken to Ronaldo and repeated his view that the forward would always hold a special place in Portugal’s sporting identity.
“No matter what happens, Ronaldo will always be the most important symbol of the Portuguese team, the most important symbol of Portuguese football, and undoubtedly the most important symbol of our country,” he said.
He called for unity and said disagreements within a family should be handled “behind closed doors”. Fernandes added that the players had limited knowledge of the wider dispute, saying they often spent their time playing cards in the players’ lounge rather than watching television.
“Do not let this country be divided, do not let everyone take sides,” he said. “Whether someone likes him more or less, he deserves the respect of all Portuguese people.”
Fernandes also discussed a half-time conversation with Jesus during the previous match. After the manager challenged him to have greater influence, Fernandes said his second-half display improved.
“After being scolded, I did it,” he said. “I know that sometimes a scolding is needed.”
The midfielder said Jesus’ demands reflected his belief in the players’ ability to contribute to Portugal, while acknowledging there was still room for improvement.
