Portugal and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has urged the country to give Cristiano Ronaldo a fitting farewell when the Portugal captain eventually decides to retire from international football.
Fernandes said he hopes Ronaldo will not end his international career in disappointing circumstances, stressing that the legendary forward deserves to be properly celebrated for his contributions.
In a post obtained from Fabrizio Romano’s C post on Sunday, Fernandes was quoted as saying: “I hope Cristiano does not leave the national team… and when or if he wants, it should be on a beautiful day to celebrate Cristiano; not like this,” Fernandes told B24.
The Portugal midfielder also spoke about Ronaldo’s immense importance to the nation, describing him as the biggest icon in Portuguese football.
“He deserves the best. Cristiano is the biggest icon of our football, our country.”
Fernandes’ remarks underline the respect Ronaldo continues to receive within the Portugal squad. Whenever the five-time Ballon d’Or winner decides to call time on his international career, Fernandes believes the moment should honour his remarkable legacy and contribution to Portuguese football.