When CR7 says, does, or does nothing, then the world’s press is ready to document. This time, it was not the super athlete, billionaire and goal guarantor part of the Ronaldo package that was in focus. It was a cold autumn evening at Ullevaal, quarrels in Denmark and a hasty exit with a private jet that made the big headlines. Bruno Fernandes was given the responsibility of giving an update the day before the return match against Norway.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden exit has plunged the Portuguese national team into a state of chaos. With 234 caps and 146 goals, CR7 has become an institution for Portugal. After being weighed too lightly at Ullevaal by coach Jorge Jesus and a follow-up in Denmark Ronaldo was not at all happy with, the 41-year-old had enough. Now United star Bruno Fernandes is trying to calm the whole of Portugal that there are no internal strife in the squad before the Norway match.
Portugal stands with nine points from three games, and has full control of the group with Norway, Denmark and Wales. On Sunday, there is still great excitement related to whether the Norwegian national team continues the great play from Ullevaal, but this time with a win.
Fernandes is trying to reassure the whole of Portugal ahead of Sunday’s game.
“I have spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo and told him that he is and always will be the biggest profile in our national team and in our country. Our national team is united. We are not divided. The problems have to be solved internally, and it has to end well for both parties,” Fernandes begins.
“I’ve played with ‘Cris’ at the club, and a lot of people have played with him in the national team for a long time. We know the media attention it brings. It’s not something that takes our focus away from what we’re working on. We know we’re doing things well as a team. That goes for Cris as well, because Cris is part of the team,” concludes Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate.
Well, the Portuguese are united. Then we will see how united the Norwegian national team is after the Wales match.
