The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave Old Trafford as a free agent after the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes says playing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United was a “dream come true”, insisting he respects his Portugal teammate’s decision to leave the club.
On Tuesday, Man Utd announced Ronaldo has agreed to terminate his contract at Old Trafford.
The decision comes after the 37-year-old heavily criticized the club’s hierarchy and Erik ten Hag in a controversial interview.
Ronaldo has arrived at the World Cup with hopes of salvaging his disappointing first half of the season. He will play alongside Bruno Fernandes, with whom he formed a solid duo at United last season.
“I don’t feel uncomfortable,” Fernandes told reporters. “I don’t have to pick a side. It was a privilege to play in the national team with Ronaldo and at the club it was a dream come true and I have always said that.
“Cristiano has always been an inspiration for me. It was a dream but we know nothing lasts forever. And now Cristiano took a decision for his life and his career and we have to respect every decision.”
Portugal will kick off their World Cup campaign with a match against Ghana on Thursday. Ronaldo and co will then take on Uruguay in their next group-stage match four days later.
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