Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has rejected doubts around Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite an impressive win over the Czech Republic on Saturday to go top of Nations League Group A2, the loss to Spain means Fernando Santos' side will not qualify for the finals of the competition.
Following the result, United striker Ronaldo was criticised by both fans and pundits for his lacklustre performance, with calls growing for the talismanic forward to be dropped ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Fernandes said, "There is no need to make great stories. Cristiano is here, he is here to help, and he will continue to help.
"Cristiano is a forward; he wants to score goals. Frustration is normal, but there was no one more frustrated than anyone else.
"We were all very frustrated – there is no need to make a soap opera around Cristiano."
