Cristiano Ronaldo had a telling reaction to being probed about his “difficult” Manchester United exit by claiming that it "does not matter" after making history at the World Cup.
The 37-year-old forward started and captained Portugal in their opening Group H match against Ghana. He gave his side the lead just after the hour mark from the penalty spot having been fouled by Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
The successful effort meant that Ronaldo became the first male player ever to score at five different World Cups. It rounded off a dramatic week having left Man Utd by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
He issued a short statement in the aftermath. It read: "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.
"However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."
Following the win against Ghana, Ronaldo was once again probed about his exit from Old Trafford, with one particular journalist during a press conference claiming it had been a “difficult” week for the forward. Ronaldo slowly shook his head in response and had a somewhat unfazed look on his face - almost suggesting that his departure was not particularly heart-wrenching.
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He then replied: “It was a week that finished this chapter [with Man Utd]. It is closed and now I want to start with the good foot. We [Portugal] started, we won.
“I could help my team and all the rest does not matter.”
It remains to be seen what Ronaldo’s future holds following his exit from United. He is currently a free agent and will be keen to pen a deal with a new club once his World Cup commitments are over.
Former club Real Madrid have already made the decision not to pursue a deal despite first-choice forward Karim Benzema struggling with injury. But Ronaldo has already received an offer from Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr have already declared their interest, whilst Al-Hilal have also reportedly entered the running for his signature. The Portuguese already rejected a big-money switch to the Middle East in the summer, a deal that would have been worth around £305m over two years.
Ronaldo instead elected to remain with Man Utd - a decision that appears to have been the wrong one considering how quickly his relationship with the Red Devils has unravelled this season. The forward will next be in action on Monday as Portugal take on Uruguay before rounding off their group stage commitments against South Korea.