London, 4 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has described Cristiano Ronaldo as the country’s greatest footballing symbol despite the veteran star leaving the national team camp after learning that he would not start a Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo, 41, reportedly left the squad after coach Jorge Jesus informed him that he would not be in the starting lineup, with Portugal going on to defeat Denmark 4-2 without him. The incident has raised uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future with the national team, where he remains Portugal’s leading goalscorer and most-capped player. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Fernandes said he had spoken with Ronaldo and stressed that nothing could change his status as an iconic figure for Portugal. He said Ronaldo would “never cease to be the greatest symbol” of the national team, Portuguese football and the country because of his achievements both at home and around the world.