Bruno Fernandes: Cristiano Ronaldo deserves respect; there is no division in the Portugal squad, stop fueling division

In a press conference ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway at home, Bruno Fernandes discussed the team's adaptation to Jorge Jesus's tactical philosophy, his own position on the pitch, and the controversy surrounding Ronaldo. He stated there is no division within the Portugal national team and urged fans not to take sides. This is the first part of the press conference.

Bruno, let's look at the match against Norway. You couldn't play and help the team in the first meeting. Based on what you saw then, what differences do you expect to see in tomorrow's match? In the last match, everyone said Portugal had to absorb pressure. What do you need to do to avoid being under too much pressure?

We certainly had to absorb pressure then, also because of Norway's strength. As the coach often mentions here, they are a very strong team with high-quality players who can cause us difficulties.

I think we also need to acknowledge and respect the team's defensive effort, because we defended very well then. We may have given our opponent more chances than we expected, but at the same time, our defense was very effective. Every match has areas to improve, and the last match is no exception, although the result was better and everyone thought our performance was better. I think what matters most is always getting results, and it's increasingly difficult to win away now. Those are three very important points for us on this journey. Hopefully we can get three more points tomorrow to get closer to our goal.

Reporter SIC: The last time you played for Portugal at this stadium, you scored a hat-trick, and João Neves also scored a hat-trick. You then shared a story about João Neves asking you to let him take a free kick. All of this shows you are one of the leaders in the dressing room. I want to ask, how have you spoken with your teammates this week about what's been happening? For instance, how have you spoken with João Neves? Also, I'd like you to talk about the new system introduced by the coach for Portugal. Do you think a player like João Neves might get fewer opportunities in this system?

I'll answer the last part first. Who gets chances and who doesn't is the coach's decision. Fortunately, it's not my decision, because Portugal has many great players. I think we can only benefit from this because it shows our team has a very high standard.

We have players who can play in different positions, and they can also be on the pitch at the same time, like in the last match. For example, João Neves, Vitinha, Neves, myself, and Félix were all on the pitch together, and we can all play in very similar positions. I think this is a very positive aspect for us.

Just being part of the Portugal national team is already something remarkable. I think whether you play a lot or a little shouldn't be viewed negatively. We all want to play. We're usually starters at our respective clubs, and when we come to Portugal, everyone wants to represent their country, everyone wants to be a starter, everyone wants to play. That's why we're here, and also to give the coach a headache, to make it harder for him to make his choices.

Regarding the other question, I want to try to clarify this topic so there hopefully aren't more questions about it after this. I'll get straight to the point.

I don't think I need to speak with my teammates about this. We all know how to handle our own situations. What's happening with the Portugal national team now has nothing to do with the players. I think the most important role we can play is to deliver results on the pitch.

Regarding Ronaldo, I've already spoken with him. What I told him, I'll repeat here: whatever happens, Ronaldo will always be the most important symbol of the Portugal national team, the most important symbol of Portuguese football, and undoubtedly—not perhaps, but undoubtedly—the most important symbol of our country. I'm certain he undoubtedly has his own place, not only among the greatest players in history but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.

What's most important now is that we must not become divided, because there is no division in the Portugal national team. There is only one Portugal national team, and there will always be only one. No matter what voices or noise come from outside, I think every family should resolve its own issues privately. The Portugal national team should operate the same way, and I'm confident we will.

I'm confident that what matters most is that this issue can ultimately be resolved well, with a good outcome for everyone involved. We are completely removed from all this. What we know is what you report and what we see ourselves. Honestly, we spend much more time playing cards in the players' lounge than watching TV, so we actually know very little about the various controversies surrounding this issue.

But I want to appeal once more: don't let this country become divided, don't let everyone take sides. Everyone should unite, show respect, and accept all parties. At the same time, as I've said, Ronaldo will always be the most iconic figure of the Portugal national team, Portuguese football, and world football. Whether someone likes him more or less, he deserves respect from all Portuguese people.

Reporter Sport TV: After the last match, Jorge Jesus spoke about a conversation with you—I recall it was during half-time. He sat next to you; he can correct me if I'm wrong. That conversation was about the impact you need to have in the Portugal national team's game, because the position you play is one that Jorge Jesus has repeatedly said is crucial to his team. What exactly did he ask from you? And what else do you need to do to achieve the level of performance Jorge Jesus wants?

Jesus: He did it in the second half of that match.

Bruno Fernandes: After getting a good talking-to, I did it. I really did. I know the coach very well, and I've worked with him before. He brought me to the big stage of Portuguese football, so I know what kind of demands to expect when working with him, and I know that sometimes you need to get a talking-to. Some talking-tos are justified, and some less so.

However, I think he demands this from me and other players because he believes in our abilities, in what we can achieve as players, and what we can give to the Portugal national team. I also think my first-half performance wasn't as good as my second-half performance. There are still areas to improve, and although the second half was better, there are still areas to improve.

What the coach told me at half-time made me improve in the second half. This is always positive, not only for me, but also for my teammates and for the match result. The result was very good for us.

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