by chiemeka Ugwowo
BRUNO FERNANDES TAKES OVER PORTUGAL CAPTAINCY AS RONALDO EXITS CAMP
Manchester United midfielder leads Portugal against Denmark following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named captain of the national team for its UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the squad.
Fernandes took over the captain’s armband for the October 1 encounter in Copenhagen, stepping into the leadership role in Ronaldo’s absence.
The development followed Ronaldo’s sudden exit from Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday, September 30, amid reports of tensions with new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo, 41, announced his decision to leave after a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença, promising to explain his reasons at a later date.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward is Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player.
Fernandes, who plays for Manchester United, has previously captained Portugal when Ronaldo was unavailable.
Portugal went on to defeat Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League encounter, with Fernandes leading the side in a match played without its long-standing captain.
