Bruno Fernandes and Jorge Jesus pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
The day before the match against Norway, Bruno Fernandes and manager Jorge Jesus paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him the 'greatest symbol' of the country.
As the Portugal vs. Norway match approached, scheduled for Sunday at 19:45, Bruno Fernandes and manager Jorge Jesus spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently retired from international duty. According to several Portuguese media outlets, including Record and Bola na Rede, Bruno Fernandes revealed that he had a conversation with the former captain, assuring him that he would remain "the greatest symbol of the national team and of our country".
Bruno Fernandes's statements
Bruno Fernandes, speaking at a press conference on Saturday, stated that he had spoken with Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Record, he said: "Tive uma conversa com o Cristiano... é o maior símbolo de Portugal". He also affirmed, as reported by Bola na Rede, that Ronaldo would continue to be "the greatest symbol of the national team and of our country". These remarks were covered by multiple media outlets, including Onze Mondial, which quoted Bruno Fernandes: "Ronaldo is the greatest symbol of our country".
Jorge Jesus pays tribute
Manager Jorge Jesus also spoke at a press conference on Saturday to address Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. According to A Bola, he insisted: "Ronaldo is a symbol of the National Team, let that be clear". He added, according to Maisfutebol: "I cannot ignore Cris, he is a symbol of the national team". Similar remarks were reported by Bola na Rede and zerozero, who quote Jorge Jesus: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol of the National Team and of Portugal".
A possible reconciliation?
Asked about a potential reconciliation with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus replied, according to Calciomercato.com: "Riconciliazione con Cristiano Ronaldo? E' un simbolo del Portogallo, dopo la Norvegia ci sarà tempo per parlarne". In other words, after the match against Norway, there will be time to talk about it. This statement suggests that discussions could take place later, without further details.
Next appointment
Portugal therefore face Norway this Sunday, at 19:45. This match will be an opportunity for the team to focus on the encounter, while tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo continue to fuel the discussions.
