\n
T<\/span>Discussions regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team are more lively than ever in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. With only a few months left until the start of the tournament, opinions are divided between those who believe the team can play more fluently without their historic striker and those who believe his presence is still decisive. During this discussion Bruno Fernandes came out and left a strong position for him that Cristiano should be untouchable.<\/p>\nIn an interview with Portugal’s Canal 11, the Manchester United midfielder said that the UEFA Nations League champions are a stronger team with Ronaldo on the pitch, despite the fact that Ronaldo is already over 40 years old. For Fernandes, the problem is not Cristiano, but how the rest of the team adapts to his presence.<\/p>\n
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\nCristiano Ronaldo looks ready for action in stunning Fast and Furious AI scene<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n“I know what people think, that we can play better without Cristiano,” the midfielder explained. “It means that the players are freer and have a better flow. But if that happens, it’s partially our fault. We don’t have to worry because Cristiano is on the pitch. He will give us a lot.”<\/p>\n
Cristiano’s value in the box<\/h2>\n Fernandes emphasized that despite his age, Ronaldo is still a top-class talent in the opposition box. “Cristiano is still a very high-level player. He attracts defenders, fixes markers and creates spaces for other players,” he said. In that sense, he explained that each player has different characteristics, and the challenge is how to make the most of them.<\/p>\n
The midfielder compared CR7’s presence to other attacking options in the team. “If Cristiano doesn’t play and Gonaro Ramos comes in, he brings high pressure and a good diagonal. It all depends on what the team needs,” he said. Fernandez also cited a personal example to emphasize his point. “If I don’t play and Bernardo Silva is No. 10, the team has more possession. I bring more last passes. Everyone adds up, but everyone is missing something.”<\/p>\n
Portugal, Colombia and a major clash looms<\/h2>\n Portugal will be placed in Group K of the 2026 World Cup along with the winners of the play-off between Colombia, Uzbekistan, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Republic of Congo. The match against Colombia is scheduled for June 27th and will be the final match of the group stage.<\/p>\n
For Bruno Fernandes, this tournament will be one of the last great opportunities for Cristiano Ronaldo to finish his career with a World Cup title. “For the benefit of the national team, we all have to adapt and improve the qualities of each player,” the Portuguese captain concluded with one of the strongest defenses in favor of CR7 that we have heard recently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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