Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal’s enduring football icon

Bruno Fernandes has described Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest icon of Portugal’s national team and the country, reaffirming the veteran forward’s standing within Portuguese football. Fernandes said he had recently spoken with Ronaldo and told him directly that he would always remain the country’s leading football icon. The Manchester United and Portugal midfielder’s comments were reported in a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X on Saturday.

“I spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo and told him that he is and will always remain the greatest icon of our national team and our country,” Fernandes was quoted as saying. Fernandes also rejected suggestions that the Portugal squad was divided. He said the national team remained united and added that any issues involving the team should be dealt with internally, with the aim of reaching a positive outcome for everyone involved.

“Our national team is united, not divided,” Fernandes said. “Matters must be resolved internally and conclude well for both parties.” Portugal coach Jorge Jesus separately underlined Ronaldo’s importance when asked about the forward. Jesus said he could not ignore the subject and described Ronaldo as a symbol of both the national team and Portugal.

“I can’t ignore Cristiano Ronaldo topic. Cris is a symbol of the Portuguese national team. He is a symbol of Portugal.

Let that be absolutely clear,” Jesus said. Jesus did not elaborate at the time, saying there would be an opportunity to discuss the matter more fully after the match. Fernandes’s comments nevertheless presented a public message of respect for Ronaldo and an assertion that the national team remained cohesive.