Ronaldo Remains Greatest Symbol of Portugal, Says Fernandes
· Sports · BBC Sport
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes stated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country's greatest footballing figure despite leaving the squad this week after learning he would not start. Ronaldo, 41, departed following coach Jorge Jesus's decision to bench him against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2. The forward has scored 146 goals from 234 matches for Portugal, holding both national records while helping his team win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. Fernandes urged the country to respect Ronaldo and avoid divisions, emphasizing that his status as the national team's primary icon is secure. Portugal currently sit top of Group A4 with nine points from three matches and face Norway next.
Why it matters
The situation affects Portugal's squad stability and leadership dynamics as they navigate their ongoing Nations League campaign without their all-time leading goalscorer.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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