4 lessons learned from Bruno Fernandes' verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo vs Jorge Jesus battle for Portugal – opinion

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out about the Portugal national team drama involving teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the headlines after the 41-year-old Manchester United legend left Portugal’s Nations League camp during the October international break.

Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo as an unused substitute against Norway and planned to not use the former United superstar against Denmark in the Nations League clash.

Bruno Fernandes spoke about former Man Utd teammate Ronaldo ahead of Portugal’s latest 2-1 win over Norway and the United skipper’s words were telling.

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1. Bruno Fernandes has talked to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo

Jorge Jesus has firmly held his stance on Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the 72-year-old Portugal boss leaving the door open for the former Juventus superstar to return. Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes explained that what he was about to say at the pre-match press conference was what he had told Al Nassr captain Ronaldo.

“Regarding Cris, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him is what I repeat here: the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that Cris will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, our football, and our country,” he said, as per Maisfutebol.

“Not only for what he did for Portugal, but for the world. I think he certainly has a reserved place in the hearts of all Portuguese people.”

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2. Bruno Fernandes wants the divisions to stop and says Portugal must unite now

Portugal’s win over Norway was the final October international break match for Jesus’ men and Fernandes will now return to Old Trafford to resume his club run. Despite Portugal’s drama involving Jesus and Ronaldo, Fernandes did not choose to align himself with either side and tried to act like a peacekeeper in the situation.

“I think it’s time to stop dividing things; here in the national team there are no divisions, the national team is one and will continue to be one, regardless of the noise and disturbances that may come from outside,” he explained.

“I think all houses should resolve their problems behind closed doors, and I think that’s how the national team should function.”

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3. Bruno Fernandes says he and his Portugal teammates are ‘completely out of the loop’

Fernandes played the full 90 minutes against Wales, Denmark and Norway in the Nations League in the October break and missed one match during his international duty.

The former Sporting CP midfielder says that both he and his Portugal teammates are not aware all the specifics around the Ronaldo vs Jesus rivalry.

“The most important thing is that everything ends well, for both sides,” Fernandes added.

“We are completely out of the loop; we are aware of what you are saying, what we are seeing.

“Honestly, we spend a lot of time in the players’ lounge playing cards and we don’t watch television. We are outside of all this controversy surrounding this issue.”

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4. Bruno Fernandes shows his admiration for Ronaldo and wants Portuguese people to do the same

Ronaldo played in his last World Cup in the summer, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner did not call it time on his legendary playing career at international level.

Fernandes praised what Ronaldo has done for Portugal and feels that the Real Madrid legend should receive the “respect” from Portuguese people.

“What I ask is that the country not be divided, not make choices, that it respect and accept all sides,” he continued.

“Cris is and will be the greatest icon of our national team, of our football, and also of world football. He deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less.”

Portugal will resume their Nations League campaign in November against Wales and Denmark.