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.
