Bruno Fernandes defends Cristiano Ronaldo after his exit from Portugal camp

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped off Portugal's emotional flight just before the match against Denmark in Copenhagen, and it's all anyone in Portugal has been talking about since. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner left the national team camp following talks with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. Ronaldo explained it in his own way, posting a message on Instagram promising that "in due time" he would tell the Portuguese people "the truth about the reasons" behind his departure.

While the controversy grew off the field, things kept running smoothly on it. Portugal kept its perfect record in Group A4 of the Nations League with a 4-2 win over Denmark on Thursday night, and now turns its attention to hosting Norway on Sunday in Porto. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who shared a locker room with Ronaldo during his second spell at Old Trafford, stepped up to calm things down.

Fernandes made clear that whatever happens once the dust settles on this story, one thing isn't up for debate: what Cristiano means to the country.

To put this matter to rest once and for all, I don't need to talk to my teammates. We know how to handle our situations. We have a situation that has nothing to do with the players, and our most important job is to deliver results.Bruno Fernandes

The midfielder also revealed he had a personal conversation with Ronaldo himself, reminding him of something he said should never change no matter what happens with the Federation.

I had a conversation with Cris. What I told him is that the most important thing, no matter what happens, is that he will never stop being the biggest symbol of our national team and our country, for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world. He has a place reserved not just among the greatest of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people.Bruno Fernandes

Above all, Fernandes asked that the noise not end up dividing the country over a figure he considers untouchable.

We can't be divided; the national team is one, and all sides need to sort out their issues behind closed doors. I believe that's what will happen, and that it will end well for both sides. We're outside of all this; we spend a lot of time playing cards and we're removed from this controversy, but I ask that the country not split, that it not take sides and that it accept everyone. Cris will always be the biggest icon of our national team, of world football, and he deserves the respect of every Portuguese person, no matter who likes him more or less.Bruno Fernandes

Jesus calls for focus on Norway

Head coach Jorge Jesus, who also managed Ronaldo at Al Nassr when the Saudi club won the title last season, also tried to lower the temperature on the subject ahead of the clash with Norway at the Estádio Do Dragão.

Jesus insisted the priority right now lies elsewhere.

The focus has to be on the national team above everything. As for Norway, what we need to get right is making sure our people are also locked in on the shirt and on the goal. Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal. After the match, there will be plenty of time to talk about that.Jorge Jesus

With Denmark already dealt with and the group lead in hand, Portugal will try to keep the Ronaldo chapter, at least for a few days, in the background.