Portugal captain Bruno Fernandes urged national‑team unity on the eve of the side’s upcoming match against Norway after star forward Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew from the squad.
Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal roster was confirmed by the football federation, though the specific reasons for his withdrawal were not disclosed in the announcement.
Speaking to the media, Fernandes said the veteran striker “remains the greatest symbol of our team,” emphasizing that his absence should not diminish the squad’s collective spirit.
Portugal, a two‑time European champion and one of the world’s most recognised football nations, will now look to field a cohesive unit against Norway, with Fernandes stressing that every player must step up to fill the void.
The team’s coaching staff confirmed that preparations will continue as planned, focusing on tactics and teamwork to ensure the side remains competitive despite Ronaldo’s absence.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>