Nuno Mendes says players won't decide Ronaldo's fate

Portugal defender Nuno Mendes says the national team is ready to accept any player who wants to join. He also made it clear that the decision about Cristiano Ronaldo's future is not up to the players.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared Mendes' comments on X on Friday. Mendes said the team is focused on their next match at Dragão and on following coach Jorge Jesus' plans.

"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 added.

Mendes also mentioned that the squad would gladly welcome anyone who joins.

"We’re here to welcome any player who joins us," he said.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus also urged the team to keep their mind on the Dragão match. He said they would deal with the Ronaldo situation later.

"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," he added.

Meanwhile, Portugal defender Renato Veiga said he is close to Ronaldo but refused to talk about the matter.

"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 insisted.