Bruno Fernandes: Cristiano is Portugal's greatest icon, and we want to give Jesus a headache
Bruno called on the Portuguese to reject division
Bruno Fernandes wore Portugal's captain's armband against Denmark, and the same is expected at the Dragão stadium against Norway tomorrow, Sunday, in the UEFA Nations League, amid the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the national team's camp angry over not taking part.
The Manchester United midfielder tackled the matter during the pre-match press conference, revealing he had spoken with his compatriot.
Fernandes opened by insisting there were no divisions within the team: "I don't need to talk with my team-mates, we all know how to handle our affairs. There is a situation in the national team that has nothing to do with the players, and I believe the most important role we can play is to achieve results on the pitch."
He continued: "As for Cristiano, I spoke with him, and what I said to him I repeat here: the most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of football in our country, and of Portugal, because of what he has given not only in Portugal but all over the world."
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His next point hammered the message home: "He has a reserved place, not only among the best players of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese. The most important thing is to stop stirring up division. There are no divisions within the national team, it is one and will remain so, despite the noise that may come from outside. Every house must solve its problems behind closed doors, and I believe the national team must work in this way."
Fernandes wants the crisis to end well. "The most important thing is that it ends well for all parties. We are completely removed from the matter, and we only know about it what you say and what we see. We spent a long time in the players' room playing cards, and we are outside this controversy."
"No to division"
He went on: "But what I ask is that the country not be divided, that it not take one side, and that it respect all parties. At the same time, Cris is and will remain the greatest icon of our national team, and he deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who loves him more or less."
The squad's quality came next. "Who will play and who will not, that is the coach's decision (Jorge Jesus), and fortunately it is not my decision. This is proof that we have great quality in our group, and players who can play in different positions and be on the pitch at the same time, and that is a positive point."
The Red Devils man added: "Being in the national team is something exceptional, and it should not be viewed negatively, whether you play more or less. We all want to play, to represent our country, and to give the coach a headache."
