Bruno Fernandes risks row with Cristiano Ronaldo as he publicly disagrees with ex-Man Utd star’s Portugal verdict
BRUNO FERNANDES risked the wrath of Cristiano Ronaldo after publicly disagreeing with his Portugal captain.
Ronaldo, 38, scored twice in the 6-0 thumping of Luxembourg last night.
He was also mobbed by a pitch invader wearing an Al-Nassr shirt and combined his two celebrations for an unprecedented new version.
The result ensured Roberto Martinez continued his perfect start to life as Portugal boss, backing up the 4-0 win over Lichtenstein on Thursday in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Ronaldo claimed the new manager, who replaced Fernando Santos after the World Cup, brought a “breath of fresh air” to the national team camp.
Santos was in charge for eight years and led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, their first major trophy win, as well as the inaugural Nations League.
But Fernandes disputed his former Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo’s comments about Martinez.
The Old Trafford midfielder, 28, said in response: “No, it’s just a new coach, with new ideas.
“There’s no breath of fresh air at all.
“It’s just a transitional period. The atmosphere in the national team has always been good.
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“There are new dynamics, a new coach and we have to assimilate his ideas.”
It is not the first time Fernandes has made his feelings about Ronaldo known.
When CR7 arrived at the Portugal camp ahead of the World Cup, Fernandes appeared to snub his captain with a frosty reception – just days after the explosive interview with Piers Morgan was released.