Bruno Fernandes has used the old phrase: ‘There’s no ‘i’ in team’, in his verdict on Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Juventus forward was on the scoresheet on Tuesday as his two late goals helped Portugal to a 3-0 victory over Hungary in Group F.
While he may be nearing the all-time record goalscoring tally at international level, his contribution to the team as a whole is what takes precedence for Fernandes.
Discussing his captain, Fernandes said: “Ronaldo is influential, as always. He is another one who wants to do his best and is making a difference.”
The Manchester United star adding: “The most valuable player in the national team is the ‘we’. The ‘we’ is the most important, there are many Is, but the ‘us’ is what counts.”
Portugal’s unity helped them win the trophy five years ago after a disappointing group phase which saw them draw all three of their games, including the match against Hungary.
This time round they are better placed for a crack at silverware, though there were claims leading into the Euros that Ronaldo’s powers are beginning to wane.
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But Fernandes praised Ronaldo’s impact and also played down the suggestion that he is no longer the player to fear.
“I think he is decisive already. He scored two goals in an important moment. Everyone knows about his quality and the capacity and facility to score goals he has,” the midfielder said at a press conference.
“However the most important thing here, as Cristiano Ronaldo already pointed out, is the group and how everybody is giving their very best for our country.
“He is also doing his best and he did it in the best possible way in the last match.”
