KUALA LUMPUR: Bruno Fernandes has been overlooked for Portugal’s captaincy, with Bernardo Silva appointed as Cristiano Ronaldo’s successor following the legendary forward’s international retirement.
Silva, 32, will take over the armband after Ronaldo brought down the curtain on his 23-year international career, despite Manchester United skipper Fernandes being among the leading contenders for the role.
Portugal boss Jorge Jesus revealed that the captaincy would be decided according to the number of international appearances, leaving little room for debate over his choice.
Former Manchester City midfielder Silva has the most caps among the current squad, behind Ronaldo, and will lead a five-man leadership group alongside Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves and Fernandes.
Jesus said: “In the national team, captains are selected based on the number of international appearances each player has made.
“There are currently five players at the top of that ranking, and interestingly, all five have previously played under my management at the clubs I have worked with.
“That principle will remain unchanged. The player with the most international appearances after Cristiano is Bernardo Silva, followed by Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves and Bruno Fernandes. Those are the five players.”
Fernandes, who captains United, will therefore have to settle for a place in the leadership group rather than the top job.
Ronaldo called time on his international career with a remarkable 234 appearances and 146 goals, leaving behind a record that may take generations to match.
His departure follows a reported falling-out with Jesus in September, after the Portugal coach left him out of the starting line-up for their victory over Norway.
The 41-year-old was reportedly furious with the decision and left the national team’s camp, adding another dramatic chapter to his international career before his eventual exit.