Ronaldo situation not for players to decide — Nuno Mendes - Punch Newspapers
Portugal defender Nuno Mendes says the national team is ready to welcome any player who joins the squad, while insisting that the decision over Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation is not for the players to make. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, Mendes said the team’s attention is firmly on its upcoming match at the Dragão and on carrying out coach Jorge Jesus’ instructions. “He is a player for the national team, and we are more focused on what we have to do now and on what the coach wants to bring to us,” Mendes said when asked about Ronaldo. “As for the rest, it’s not for us to decide,” he said. The defender added that the squad would welcome whoever joins the team.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “We’re here to welcome any player who joins us,” he said. Portugal coach Jesus has also called on Portugal to remain focused on the Dragão match, saying the Ronaldo situation would be addressed afterward. “Now we have to focus on the Dragão match and on what we can do in it,” Jesus said. “After the Dragão match, we’ll see what happens.” Portugal defender Renato Veiga, meanwhile, said he remains close to Ronaldo but declined to discuss the situation. “I’m very close to Cristiano Ronaldo, and he knows I have a lot of affection for him,” Veiga said. “But I’ve been instructed not to talk about this. I can’t talk about it,” he averred. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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