Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains “the biggest symbol” of Portugal as the national team seeks to avoid division before Sunday’s Nations League match against Norway.
Fernandes captained Portugal against Denmark and is expected to lead the side again at the Estadio do Dragao, with Ronaldo absent after leaving the squad angrily because he had not played.
Speaking at his pre-match news conference, the Manchester United midfielder said he had spoken to Ronaldo and insisted there was no split within the squad.
“I don’t need to speak to my team-mates because we all know how to deal with things,” Fernandes said. “There is a situation within the national team that has nothing to do with the players, and I think the most important role we can play is to achieve results on the pitch.”
He added: “As for Cristiano, I spoke to him, and what I told him I will repeat here: whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the biggest symbol of our national team, of football in our country and of Portugal, because of what he has achieved not only in Portugal but around the world.
“He has a place reserved not only among the greatest players of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.”
Fernandes called for an end to the dispute being played out publicly and said Portugal’s players remained united despite the noise surrounding the team.
“The most important thing is that we stop creating division,” he said. “There are no divisions within the national team. It is one team and it will remain one, despite the noise that may come from outside.
“Every household should solve its problems behind closed doors, and I think the national team should work in that way.”
The midfielder said he hoped the situation would be resolved positively for everyone involved, while stressing that the players had little knowledge of what had happened beyond reports and public discussion.
“The most important thing is that it ends well for all parties,” he said. “We are completely removed from the matter, and we know only what you tell us and what we see.
“We spent a long time in the players’ room playing cards, and we are outside this debate.”
Fernandes also urged the country not to take sides.
“What I ask is that the country does not become divided, that it does not side with one party, and that everyone respects all sides,” he said. “At the same time, Cris is, and will remain, the biggest icon of our national team and deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or less.”
He said the depth of the squad gave manager Jorge Jesus difficult selection decisions, with players capable of operating in several positions.
“Who plays and who does not is the coach’s decision, and thankfully it is not mine,” Fernandes said. “That shows we have a lot of quality in the squad, with players who can play in different positions and be on the pitch at the same time.
“Being with the national team is something exceptional and should not be viewed negatively, whether you play more or less. We all want to play, represent our country and give the coach a headache.”
