
AI-generated summary
Cristiano Ronaldo was a key player for the Portugal national team, but voluntarily left the national team training camp due to a conflict with coach Jorge Jesus. Because of this, Portuguese fans were divided into those who supported Ronaldo and those who supported the coach.
The national team must not be divided... Ronaldo deserves respect
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Young-ho = Bruno Fernands (Man Utd), who took over the captain's armband in place of Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nasr), who left the Portugal national soccer team, said, "Ronaldo fully deserves respect."
In an interview with Portuguese broadcaster RTP3 on the 4th (Korean time), Fernands said, "I know very well what Ronaldo means to the Portuguese people, so I spoke with him in the hope that he would not rashly leave the national team completely. If Ronaldo leaves the national team, it should be a day of celebration. It should not be done in a way that divides the people."
Previously, Ronaldo left the national team training camp on his social networking service (SNS), saying, "After the press conference by the national team coach and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Association, I decided to leave the national team training camp. When the time comes, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about why I left the national team."
Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus announced that he would not use Ronaldo as a starter in the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League (UNL) match against Denmark, and Ronaldo packed his bags at the training camp.
After Ronaldo suddenly left the national team, Portuguese fans were divided into pros and cons.
Some fans turned their backs on coach Jejus and hung up billboards supporting Ronaldo.
After Ronaldo left, Fernand took over the captain's armband, and Portugal beat Denmark 4-2.
Fernands, ahead of the match against Norway in the early morning of the 5th, Korean time, said, "The national team players know well how to manage this situation. This situation has nothing to do with the players," and added, "Winning the game is the most important thing."
“Ronaldo, like Eusebio and Luis Figo, is a great icon who raised Portuguese football to a position and level it has never been before,” he said. “Ronaldo has a permanent place in the hearts of the Portuguese people. What is important now is that the national team should not be divided.”
He added, "I hope the Portuguese people will respect all positions without being divided or taking sides. At the same time, Ronaldo is our national team's biggest icon and deserves everyone's respect."
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Portuguese national team will maintain stable performance without Ronaldo in future games.
Possible · Within weeks

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