Bernardo Silva says Portugal can cope without Ronaldo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Bernardo Silva says Portugal can handle the pressure after Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement, ahead of its first match without him. Portugal will face Denmark in the Nations League in Braga, according to comments by Silva reported by Vanguard.
Bernardo Silva, Portugal’s midfielder, believes the national team can handle the pressure after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, ahead of its first match without the 41-year-old forward. Portugal will face Denmark on Saturday in Braga in the Nations League quarter-finals, according to Vanguard.
Silva, who took over Ronaldo’s captain’s armband, acknowledged that the forward had been the focus of attention around the national team for more than two decades. Portugal plans to pay tribute to Ronaldo before the match, including a planned arrangement involving the number 7 shirt, according to Vanguard.
Ronaldo has played 234 matches for Portugal and scored 146 goals since his international debut in 2003, according to Vanguard. Coach Jorge Jesus described the planned tribute as a good initiative to recall Ronaldo’s status as a legend of Portuguese football.
Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning all four of their Group A4 matches. Bernardo Silva was named captain of the Portuguese national team on 6 November, after Cristiano Ronaldo ended his international career the previous week. Bernardo Silva becomes Portugal captain.
