Bruno Fernandes captained Portugal in their 4-2 victory over Denmark and is expected to retain the role against Norway at Dragao stadium in the fourth round of UEFA Nations League Group A4, with Ronaldo absent.

At the pre-match press conference, the Manchester United midfielder revealed he had spoken directly with his senior teammate about the recent disputes. "I don't see the need to discuss with teammates how they handle personal matters; everyone understands their responsibilities," he stated. "The current situation within the national team does not concern the players. Our primary focus is to achieve results on the field."

Cristiano Ronaldo (right) hands the captain's armband to Bruno Fernandes as he leaves the field during the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 8/6/2025. Photo: Reuters

Fernandes also dismissed any notion of a divided locker room within the Portuguese national team due to the incident. "It is crucial to stop creating divisions. There are no factions within the national team. We are, and will always remain, a united group, regardless of external noise," he affirmed.

The Manchester United midfielder likened the national team to a family, where internal matters should be resolved privately. He expressed hope that the controversy would conclude beneficially for all parties.

"We are, in fact, detached from the situation," Fernandes added. "Most of what we know comes from the press. The players remain together, playing cards in the common room, and are not involved in this dispute. My only wish is that the Portuguese people do not divide or choose sides, but instead show respect for everyone."

Fernandes emphasized that the current disputes do not diminish Ronaldo's standing in Portuguese football history. He believes his senior teammate remains the national team's greatest icon, possessing influence far beyond national borders, and deserves respect for his career contributions. Fernandes appealed to fans not to disregard Ronaldo's legacy due to disagreements or controversies.

Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during the Nations League match between Portugal and Norway, in Oslo on 27/9. Photo: AP

The controversies began on 27/9, when Ronaldo remained an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway. Coach Jorge Jesus explained he initially planned to introduce Ronaldo from the bench but altered his decision based on the match's progression. The 41-year-old striker trained individually for two subsequent days, despite having no injury.

Jesus refuted reports that Ronaldo refused to train with the team, asserting no serious incident occurred between them. The Portuguese coach stated that Ronaldo assured him he accepts all professional decisions, including playing or being a substitute.

However, on 30/9, Ronaldo unexpectedly departed the national team's Copenhagen base. He indicated the decision followed a discussion with Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), and announced he would offer a full explanation at an appropriate time.

European media reported that Jesus and Proenca even traveled to Copenhagen airport, intending to persuade Ronaldo to remain, but the veteran striker still boarded a private jet to Madrid.

Coach Jorge Jesus (right) and Bruno Fernandes attend a press conference before the UEFA Nations League Group A4 match between Portugal and Norway at Dragao, Porto, Portugal on 3/10. Photo: SIC Noticias

During the same pre-Norway press conference, coach Jorge Jesus faced repeated questions about a potential reconciliation with Ronaldo. The Portugal head coach, however, declined to elaborate, stating that the immediate priority remained the team's performance.

"The focus must be on the national team and the upcoming match against Norway," he stressed. "However, this does not imply I am disregarding Cristiano. He is an icon of the Portuguese national team, an icon of Portugal itself. That needs to be unequivocally clear."

According to A Bola, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is keen to prevent Ronaldo's international career, spanning over two decades, from concluding under current circumstances. While no emergency meetings have been confirmed, the FPF is reportedly prioritizing renewed dialogue between Ronaldo and Jesus. FPF President Pedro Proenca and other leaders are expected to mediate, aiming to find a mutually acceptable resolution.

When questioned about the need for an agreement to mend relations, Jesus again sidestepped the issue. He asserted that Norway was Portugal's immediate focus. "Norway ranks among Europe's five strongest teams, boasting many quality players," the 72-year-old coach stated. "We must concentrate. After the match, there will be time to analyze subsequent developments."

The former Al Nassr coach also avoided questions regarding contact with Ronaldo, stating that attention should be directed toward the collective Portuguese national team, rather than himself or any individual player. The 72-year-old coach further refrained from discussing World Cup 2030, emphasizing the team's need to focus on each match, beginning with the Norway encounter.

Hong Duy (according to A Bola)