"Don't have to arrest ourselves just because he is on the field" - Bruno Fernandes details Cristiano Ronaldo's role in Portugal NT

Manchester United and Portugal star Bruno Fernandes has opened up on what he understands the role of Cristiano Ronaldo to be in the team. The UEFA Nations League holders are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup next year and have their sights set on winning the title.

Bruno Fernandes spoke with Canal 11, pointing out that the team needs to play to the strengths of the Al-Nassr man. He explained that different players provide different characteristics, stating that they must all understand that the team comes before the individual.

"We don't have to be fixated just because Cristiano Ronaldo is on the field. He draws defenders and creates space. Gonçalo Ramos is strong in pressing and diagonal runs. All the players contribute and have their own characteristics. We must understand each player's profile so that the national team comes out on top", he said (via Mais Futebol).

Cristiano Ronaldo played for Portugal as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland in their FIFA World Cup qualifier last month, receiving a red card. He was suspended for the next game against Armenia, and Bruno Fernandes returned from his own suspension to score a hat-trick in a 9-1 win.

Former Portugal boss Fernando Santos opted to drop Ronaldo from the starting XI in the latter stages of their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, a decision that ultimately backfired. The 40-year-old remains a key player and regular starter for Roberto Martinez and the Selecao, and is expected to play a starring role in North America next summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo absent for Portugal's FIFA The Best votes

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of the voters for this year's FIFA The Best awards despite his status as captain of the Selecao. The former Manchester United forward did not get to vote for any of the categories this year due to a suspension.

Ronaldo was shown a straight red card in his last match for his country, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland. As a result, the forward was suspended for the next game against Armenia, with Bernardo Silva taking the captain's armband.

As Silva was captain in their most recent international, the Manchester City man was permitted to vote as captain of the Selecao. He picked compatriot Vitinha as the winner of the award, and voted Nuno Mendes as the second-best player in the world. He voted for eventual winner Ousmane Dembele to finish in third place.