Fernandes hails Ronaldo and calls for Portugal unity ahead of Norway game

Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the Portugal squad, but Bruno Fernandes says forward remains team’s ‘greatest symbol’.Published On 3 Oct 20263 Oct 2026Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest footballing icon despite walking out on the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match.The 41-year-old superstar said on Wednesday that he had left the team after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘Verbal attack’: Israeli reporters interrupt Ireland news conferencelist 2 of 4Man City whistleblower Pinto says he ‘received death threats’ over leakslist 3 of 4FC Barcelona accused of corruption in Negreira case: All you need to knowlist 4 of 4Turkish court detains football refereeing chief pending corruption trialend of listThe former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker’s future with the national team, for whom he is the leading goalscorer and most capped player, is in doubt after his walkout.“Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is this –...