Bruno Fernandes says Portugal must keep Ronaldo dispute behind closed doors

Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains “the biggest symbol” of Portugal and insists there are no divisions within the national team despite a dispute that led to the captain leaving camp.

Ronaldo departed Portugal’s squad in Denmark on Wednesday, one day before the team’s Nations League match against Denmark in the third round of the competition.

Fernandes said players should not be drawn into the situation and that their responsibility was to perform on the pitch.

“I do not need to speak to my team-mates, because each of us knows how to deal with our own private situations,” Fernandes said at a news conference.

“We have a situation within the national team that has nothing to do with the players. I believe the most important role we can play is to deliver results on the pitch.”

Fernandes confirmed he had spoken to Ronaldo and said the forward’s status in Portuguese football remained unchanged.

“As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I have spoken to him, and what I told him is what I repeat here: whatever happens, Ronaldo will never stop being the biggest symbol of our national team and football in our country,” he said.

“That is because of what he has done not only in Portugal, but around the world.”

He added: “Ronaldo has a place among the best players in the history of football, as well as in the hearts of all Portuguese people.

“The most important thing is that we stop dividing things. There are no divisions within the national team. We are one team and we will remain one, despite any noise that may come from outside.”

Fernandes said any disagreement should be handled privately.

“Every household should solve its problems behind closed doors, and I believe that is how the national team should operate,” he said. “I believe it will continue in that way. I hope things end well.”

The dispute began during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the second round of matches in Group D of the Nations League, when Ronaldo did not play.

The Portugal captain did not take part in the team’s final training sessions. Jesus then criticised Ronaldo at a news conference before the match against Denmark, after which Ronaldo left the squad following an agreement with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that Ronaldo had decided not to represent Portugal again and was considering international retirement.

Ronaldo has played 234 matches for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and providing 45 assists.

He has won the European Championship once and the Nations League twice with his country.

Portugal lead Group D with nine points from three victories, maintaining a perfect record.