JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has stepped forward to defend Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that the veteran striker remains the greatest football icon in the country’s history despite the storm surrounding his abrupt departure from the national team field.
Controversy erupted after Ronaldo reportedly left the team upon learning he would be left out of the starting lineup for an upcoming match.
Also read:Utaka supports Mbappé to win the Ballon d’Or
The incident has sparked an intense wave of media scrutiny and an active internal review by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
Amid the heavy fallout, Fernandes sought to remind critics of Ronaldo’s incomparable stature and his historic contributions to Portuguese football.
“About Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is this: the most important thing is that, no matter what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the greatest symbol of our team, of our football and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world.
“He has a place reserved 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.
“There are no divisions in the national team, it is one and will continue to be that way, despite any noise that may come from outside…
Read also:EUROMATCH NPFL: Rangers to provide free buses to fans ahead of Abia Warriors Derby
“We are out of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide, that it does not choose, that it respects everyone, but, at the same time, Cris is and will be the greatest icon of our team, he deserves the respect of everyone, no matter who likes him more or (who likes him) less.”
As the FPF weighs its next steps regarding potential disciplinary codes, Fernandes’ public show of support highlights the complex dynamics within the team as they adapt to life without their talismanic captain.
