Bruno Fernandes has revealed he spoke directly to Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s dramatic departure from the Portugal camp.
The Manchester United captain has called for calm after Ronaldo reportedly left the national team following a disagreement with new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo’s decision has thrown fresh uncertainty over his international future, while the fallout has quickly spilled onto social media.
The Portugal national team’s Instagram account reportedly lost more than two million followers after Ronaldo left the squad on Tuesday, underlining the extraordinary level of attention surrounding the 41-year-old captain.
Fernandes, who has taken on greater leadership responsibilities following Ronaldo’s departure, used his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Nations League meeting with Norway in Lisbon to urge supporters not to turn the situation into a national divide.
The Manchester United midfielder revealed that he had already spoken with Ronaldo and made it clear that the veteran forward’s contribution to Portuguese football should not be forgotten regardless of how the current dispute ends.
“I had a conversation with [Cristiano], and what I told him, which I’ll repeat here, is this: ‘the most important thing is that, regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world’,” said Fernandes.
“He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things.”
Fernandes’ comments come at a delicate moment for Portugal, with Ronaldo’s status becoming a major talking point ahead of their Nations League fixture.
The midfielder was keen to distance the players from the controversy and insisted there is no division within the Portugal dressing room over Ronaldo’s exit.
Rather than allowing the situation to dominate preparations for the match against Norway, Fernandes hopes the dispute can be handled away from the squad.
“The most important thing is that this ends well for both sides,” he added.
He also appealed directly to Portuguese supporters, urging them to avoid taking sides while the situation remains unresolved.
“[The players] are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, and respects all sides.
“But, at the same time, Cristiano is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, and he deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or less.”
Fernandes’ intervention places the focus firmly on reconciliation rather than confrontation.
Ronaldo has been central to Portugal’s modern football history, becoming the country’s defining attacking figure and one of the most recognisable athletes in the world.
His latest departure, however, has raised questions about whether his international career can continue under Jesus and whether the disagreement can be resolved.
For Fernandes, the immediate priority is clear: Portugal must remain united.
With a Nations League fixture against Norway approaching, the midfielder wants the national team to concentrate on football while Ronaldo’s situation is dealt with between the relevant parties.
Whatever happens next, Fernandes believes Ronaldo’s place in Portuguese football history should remain beyond dispute.
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