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Bruno Fernandes reveals Cristiano Ronaldo conversation after shock Portugal exit
Oct 03 2026 22:48 · By onefootball.com · 29 Reads
Star striker walked out on international team-mates after exclusion
Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he has conversed with Cristiano Ronaldo since the legend abruptly left the Portugal camp during the international break.
The veteran striker, 41, sensationally departed his national team’s setup after a rift with new manager Jorge Jesus, who did not play the former Manchester United man in the 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo last weekend.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute at the Ullevaal Stadion, where the Portuguese emerged victorious against Erling Haaland and co. thanks to goals from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, with the pair selected ahead of Ronaldo in the strike partnership of Jesus’ diamond formation.
As a result, the captain was incensed at the decision to leave him out entirely, and he took off for Madrid before Portugal’s trip to Denmark, where they won 4-2 in his absence.
Since, United skipper Fernandes, who was club-mates with Ronaldo when the great returned to Old Trafford for the 2021-22 season, has spoken with his compatriot about the incident.
Out: Cristiano Ronaldo
AFP/Getty
"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'," he said.
"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, who survived an injury scare while on injury duty in what had become a major concern for his club, insisted that there was no divide in the Portugal dressing room as a result of Ronaldo’s exit.
"The most important thing is that this ends well for both sides," he continued.
"[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."