Fernandes urges Portugal unity after Ronaldo leaves camp

Bruno Fernandes urged Portugal to remain united after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national-team camp, saying the forward would always be a defining symbol of the country and its football. Fernandes said he had spoken with Ronaldo and called for any issues to be handled internally, while coach Jorge Jesus said the team’s immediate focus should be its match against Norway. Fernandes made the remarks at a press conference ahead of the Norway match. He said Ronaldo’s standing would endure regardless of what happened next, citing his contributions in Portugal and around the world. Fernandes also appealed to the public not to take sides, saying the national team was united and asking that all parties be respected. Ronaldo said in an Instagram post that he would explain his reasons for leaving the camp at a later time. The accounts of the departure’s immediate circumstances differ: one report said Ronaldo left after learning he would not start against Denmark, while another described discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença without identifying the same trigger. Ronaldo’s own explanation had not yet been provided in the supplied reports.