Portugal midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to be respected no matter what.
Fernandes was speaking ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Norway.
Ronaldo departed from the national team camp earlier this week after falling out with head coach, Jorge Jesus.
Fans showed their support for Jesus during their 4-2 win over Denmark, with many of them angry with Ronaldo over his exit.
Fernandes said: “We are completely outside the matter. We are aware of what you are saying and what we are seeing.
“But what I think, once again, is that the country should not divide itself, that people should not take sides, and that we should experience all of this as one.
“We should respect and accept all sides, but at the same time, as I said, Cristiano is and will always be the greatest icon of our national team, our football and also world football.
“Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or likes him less.”
Nations League: What Ronaldo deserves after Jorge Jesus clash – Bruno Fernandes