Fernandes hails Portugal’s ‘greatest symbol’ Ronaldo, calls for unity

Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest footballing icon despite walking out on the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match.
The 41-year-old superstar said Wednesday he had left the team after coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Ronaldo’s future with the national team, for whom he is the leading goalscorer and most capped player, is in doubt after his walk out.
“Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him, and what I told him, and what I repeat here, is this — the most im...