The two men are currently on duty with Portugal, and Fernandes took the opportunity to praise the former Red Devils star after his heroics in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Ronaldo bagged a brace for Portugal on Friday to help his country to a 3-2 victory against Slovakia, to qualify for Euro 2024.

The goals took the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's tally to 125 international goals in 202 games.

"Do I have the notion that I'm playing alongside a history maker? No, I don't have a notion, I have the certainty! We're all aware of it.

"We all understand the force and impact that Ronaldo has, the force and the impact that Ronaldo has had on the future of many of us Portuguese players, the opportunities that he's created for the future generations of players, the way others began to look at Portugal.

"They already had started looking at us with more respect, but everything that Ronaldo achieved meant our name was more feared, and obviously we are grateful to have lived in this era, because it was a privilege for us to watch Cristiano play and at the same time I had the chance to play alongside him."

"He's done extraordinary things that will probably never be repeated. We hope they are, for the good of football, but I think it's unlikely.

"I hope another Cristiano Ronaldo appears [for Portugal], but I think it's unlikely and now up to us to enjoy him and enjoy what he can still give us, regardless of the fact they often say; 'Ah, he's not what he used to be'. All players as the years go by have to adapt.

"Cristiano, although different and always adapting, continues to do what he does best, which is score goals."

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