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Bruno Fernandes says he has spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo and denies any division in Portugal's squad after the captain left the training camp in Copenhagen before the Nations League win over Denmark.
Bruno Fernandes said on Saturday that he had spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo and dismissed suggestions of a rift within Portugal's squad after the captain's abrupt departure from the national team's training camp cast doubt over his international future.
Ronaldo, Portugal's record goalscorer, is 41 and left the camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday. He departed shortly after coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged tensions between the pair, one day before Portugal's Nations League group-stage clash with Denmark. Jesus' side went on to win that match 4-2 without their captain. Ronaldo said on Instagram that he made the decision after Jesus' news conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca.
Ronaldo's Exit and Portugal Unity
He added that he would reveal his reasons in due course, leaving Portuguese supporters waiting for further clarity. Fernandes addressed the situation at a news conference ahead of Sunday's Nations League match against Norway in Porto. The 32-year-old Manchester United captain rejected any suggestion of division inside the camp. I had a chat with him and what I said to him is what I will repeat here, Fernandes said.
The most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football and of the country. Fernandes praised Ronaldo's achievements not only in Portugal but all over the world. He said Ronaldo has a place reserved not only among the all-time greats but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people. The most important thing is that we stop stirring up trouble, Fernandes said.
There are no divisions within the national team. It is one team and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside. Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Portugal manager Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca made an unsuccessful dash to Copenhagen airport in an attempt to persuade Ronaldo not to leave the squad. The most important thing is that this ends well, for both sides, Fernandes added.
We are completely out of the picture. We are aware of what you are saying and what we are seeing. We have spent a lot of time in the players' room playing cards. We are on the sidelines of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not become divided, does not take sides, and respects all parties.
Portugal Prepare for Norway Clash
Portugal top Group A4 with nine points from three matches, while Norway are third with three points. Fernandes said the focus has to be on the national team, the match against Norway and what Portugal need to do well, in tune with their people. But that does not mean I am ignoring Cris, Fernandes said. He is a symbol of the Portuguese national team; he is a symbol of Portugal, let that be quite clear.
After the match, there will be time to talk about that. Ronaldo's future with the national team remains uncertain after his departure from camp. The captain said he would explain his decision in due course, leaving Portuguese supporters waiting for further clarity. Portugal's win over Denmark kept them at the top of their Nations League group.
The team now turns its attention to the meeting with Norway in Porto, where Fernandes and his teammates will look to build on their strong start. Fernandes made clear that the squad is united and focused on the pitch. He said the players are on the sidelines of the controversy and want the country to stay together rather than take sides.
The episode has drawn widespread attention in Portugal and beyond, given Ronaldo's status as the country's most capped and highest-scoring player. His abrupt exit from camp followed public remarks by Jesus about tensions between the coach and the captain. For now, Fernandes and the rest of the squad are preparing for Norway, with Portugal leading Group A4. The midfielder said the team remains one and will stay that way despite any outside noise.
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The Straits Times 
straits_times:Fernandes rejects talk of Portugal rift after Ronaldo's abrupt departureThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Cristiano Ronaldo Bruno Fernandes Portugal National Team Jorge Jesus Nations League Pedro Proenca Copenhagen
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