Jorge Jesus and Bruno Fernandes are both trying to cool the noise around Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal future, but the real discussion has been pushed back until after Portugal vs Norway on Sunday at 20:45 in Porto. Ronaldo left Portugal after a conflict with Jorge Jesus on Wednesday before the away match in Denmark, then said in an Instagram post that he would explain the reasons for his departure at the appropriate time.
Jesus and Fernandes push the talks back
Speaking to SPORT1, Jesus said: "It is not about ignoring Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal. After the match there will still be enough time to talk about it."
Fernandes was even more direct about how he wants the issue handled. Speaking to SPORT1, he said: "Cris will always be the greatest idol of our national team and of world football and deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less."
He also added that the sides should "sort out their matters behind closed doors. I think that is how it will be, and that the matter will turn out well on both sides."
Portugal can afford to park the row for a few days. They have won all three of their Nations League matches, scored seven and conceded three, and beat Denmark 4-2 away before the Ronaldo story escalated.
Bruno Fernandes has also been productive for the national side, with two assists in two Nations League appearances. Norway arrive with one win from three matches, but the immediate issue in Porto is still less about the table and more about whether Ronaldo's camp and the federation move from delay to dialogue after Sunday.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
