Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has the backing of his Portugal teammates at the World Cup - despite his problems at Manchester United.
United have begun the process of terminating Ronaldo’s contract after he trashed the club in a TV interview and said he had no respect for boss Erik ten Hag. The fall-out from the interview looked to have caused issues with Ronaldo's Portugal team-mates, with TV cameras capturing what appeared to be tense exchanges between him and Bruno Fernandes, as well as Joao Cancelo.
But Ronaldo dismissed suggestions of a rift with United team-mate Fernandes and Manchester City defender Cancelo over his interview, claiming they have no problem with him.
“The atmosphere is excellent,” said Ronaldo. “There are no problems, we are completely focused. You can help by not talking about me. I’m completely bullet-proof and iron-clad.
“The group is very bonded together. I have no doubts about this recent episode. It won’t shape the team."
On what appeared to be a frosty exchange with Fernandes when the Portugal squad met up for the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “We were just playing around - we have a great relationship.
“His plane was late and I asked him ‘Did you come by boat?’ - I was goofing around. It was the same with Joao. He was sad during practice so I said 'wake up, come on, you’ve got this'".
Ronaldo was asked about the repercussions from his interview and claimed he does not care what others think about him going public with his feelings and speaking his mind.
“Timing is always timing,” said Ronaldo. “From your side, it’s easy to look at how we can choose timings.
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“I don’t have to worry about what others think. I talk when I want to. Everybody knows who I am, what I believe in. They [those within the Portugal set-up] have known me since I was 11. They will not be influenced by what people say and write about me.
“I always have responsibility. I’m watched more than the others, but I always have responsibility as a father, as a friend, it’s part of my day to day life.
“I like to have responsibility. I’ve always had pressure from young. Sometimes I deal with it well, sometimes not so well. I’m not perfect, but I have the ability to take on the responsibilities.”
Ronaldo said that it would be “a dream” to finally win the World Cup in his record-equalling fifth appearance and claimed the current squad is Portugal’s best generation.
“I feel great - I have recovered from my injury,” he said. “I’m ready to start the World Cup in the best possible way and help my team to reach our objectives.
“The best generation of players will win the tournament. I believe this is the best generation. It’s a young team with a mixture of ages, fantastic to watch.”
Asked if this World Cup would decide the debate about who is the greatest ever player. Him or Lionel Messi, Ronaldo said: “Even if I win the World Cup, that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.”
