Mirror
Despite a statement performance, the narrative surrounding Portugal was still dominated by Ronaldo throughout and after the match. But Fernandes has launched a staunch defence of his international colleague – despite the fact there had been suggestions their relationship had become strained following an awkward exchange before the World Cup.
“Do you think anyone likes to be on the bench?” Fernandes responded when he was asked about Ronaldo’s reaction after the match. “I don’t think Cristiano would be happy. If the manager put me on the bench in the next game, I would be angry.”
He added: “We won the first two games with Cristiano in the first 11, and it could be that if Cristiano played, he could score three goals and no one would be speaking about Cristiano being on the bench.
“Cristiano is doing his job, he’s doing his part, he’s happy with the result because the goal for everyone is to go as far as possible. I don’t think people should be talking about Cristiano and why he’s not playing, because when Cristiano plays and the team wins, no one talks about that.
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