Amid the release of Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan, it appeared that his teammate and compatriot, Bruno Fernandes, was not best pleased to see the forward when they met up for international duty.
However, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton has reported that “sources close to Bruno Fernandes insist that the viral social media clip of what appears to be a frosty meeting has been misconstrued. They say Fernandes and Ronaldo were just having a joke about Fernandes’ flight arriving late.”
Bruno Fernandes Appears to Barely Acknowledge Ronaldo
So… sources close to Bruno Fernandes insist that the viral social media clip of what appears to be a frosty meeting has been misconstrued. They say Fernandes and Ronaldo were just having a joke about Fernandes’ flight arriving late…. https://t.co/KOlpnUwFPR
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) November 15, 2022
The Incident
Following Ronaldo’s interview, many people at Manchester United were reported to be highly disappointed in his actions.
Bruno Fernandes appeared to be one of those, with a viral video clip seemingly depicting a rather frosty meeting between the pair at the Portuguese camp ahead of the World Cup. Despite reports suggesting that the interaction was merely a joke, it certainly didn’t look too friendly from an outsider’s perspective.
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A Case of Past Versus Present?
Ronaldo is one of the greatest to ever grace the game, that much is unquestionable. However, it is also just as true that the 37-year-old’s best years are behind him, with many Portuguese fans suggesting that Fernando Santos should omit the forward from the starting line-up.
It is unlikely to happen, but it does represent the fact that maybe, just maybe, the five-time Balon d’Or winner is not the most important player for the nation anymore.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "In my opinion it will be hard for Man United to be in the top of the game in the next two or three years". 🚨 #MUFC
"I want the best for the club, the fans deserve the truth. You have things inside the club which don't help Man Utd reach the top level". pic.twitter.com/Xs4MJqRr2t
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2022
Whilst there is plenty of talent in the Portuguese squad, Fernandes will certainly feel as though there is an argument to be made that it is he who is now the most important player for the side in this tournament.
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A Possible Problem for Portugal
With that being said, this could cause a problem for the team, given that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are huge characters, and a clash, of any kind, could hinder the side’s hopes for success at the tournament massively.
