Fernandes calls for fitting farewell when Ronaldo ends Portugal career

Bruno Fernandes has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to receive a fitting farewell from Portugal whenever the veteran forward decides to end his international career. Fernandes said he hoped Ronaldo would not leave the national team in disappointing circumstances, arguing that the occasion should properly recognise the captain’s contribution to Portuguese football. “I hope Cristiano does not leave the national team… and when or if he wants, it should be on a beautiful day to celebrate Cristiano; not like this,” Fernandes was quoted as saying in a post obtained from Fabrizio Romano’s social media post on Sunday.

The Manchester United and Portugal midfielder added that Ronaldo deserved the strongest possible recognition from the country. “He deserves the best. Cristiano is the biggest icon of our football, our country,” Fernandes said.

Ronaldo’s eventual decision would bring an end to an international career that Fernandes described in terms of the forward’s importance to Portugal. The comments reflect the respect he continues to command within the national-team camp. Fernandes did not specify when Ronaldo might retire from international football.

Instead, he focused on how the departure should be marked, saying it should be treated as a celebration rather than allowed to conclude under disappointing circumstances. The remarks place emphasis on Ronaldo’s status as a national football figure and on the significance of any future farewell. For Fernandes, the timing remains the player’s choice, but the occasion should honour his standing in Portuguese football.

Ronaldo’s next decision on his international future was not provided in the source material. Fernandes’ message was that, whenever that decision comes, Portugal should give its captain the kind of send-off he believes the player deserves.