“The greatest symbol of Portugal”: Bruno Fernandes supports Cristiano Ronaldo despite the walkout | Portugal

Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains “the biggest symbol” of the Portugal team, despite his decision to withdraw from the squad this week.

Ronaldo said on Wednesday he had left the team’s camp after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark. Portugal won the Nations League 4-2 without him, and Ronaldo’s international future remains uncertain.

Manchester United midfielder Fernandes has called for unity after a tumultuous few days in which Portuguese fans’ opinions were divided over Ronaldo’s decision and the future of their country’s top scorer and most capped male player.

“As for Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is that the most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but in the whole world,” Fernandes told reporters on Saturday.

“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,” Fernandes added. “There are no divisions in the national team, it is one and will remain so, despite any noise that might come from outside.

“We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide, does not make choices, that it respects all parties. At the same time, Cris is and will be the greatest icon of our national team, he deserves the respect of everyone, no matter who loves him more or (who loves him) less.”

Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo last Sunday with Ronaldo as an unused substitute, then won 4-2 in Copenhagen after his departure from the team, with Fernandes wearing the captain’s armband. The Nations League holders will face Norway again on Sunday, this time in Porto.

Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Saudi side Al-Nassr before taking the national team job, said the 41-year-old was a “symbol of Portugal”, adding that there would be time to talk about him after the Norway match.

“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 at the moment,” said the 72-year-old coach.