Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country's greatest footballing figure despite leaving the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match. Ronaldo, 41, left 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 forward has scored 146 goals from 234 matches with Portugal - both record figures - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. However, his international future now appears to be in doubt.
Manchester United's Fernandes, speaking at a Portugal news conference on Saturday, said: "Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. What I told him, and what I repeat here, is 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."
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. 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. Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or less.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing