Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the press conference. REUTERS
Doha: Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo said his recent TV interview in which he aired his differences with his Premier League club Manchester United will not affect his team’s preparations for the World Cup or the mood ahead of their Group H clash against Ghana on Thursday.
Last week Ronaldo,37, lashed out at United’s manager Erik ten Hag and owners saying the club had betrayed him and he was being forced out. Ronaldo was suspended for the Premier League club’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month.
“I have no doubt that this recent episode, that interview, and other episodes with other players that happen sometimes, can sometimes shake the player but won’t shake the team,” Ronaldo said at the Portugal camp yesterday.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo takes part in a training session at Shahaniya Sports Club yesterday.
The Portugal captain said he was not afraid to air his views and he felt great about his team’s chances of winning the World Cup.
“In my life, the best timing is always my timing,” Ronaldo said.
“I don’t have to think about what other people think. The players know me really well for many years and know the type of person I am. It’s [Portugal] an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I’m sure it [the interview] won’t shake the changing room’s concentration and focus.” The all-time top goalscorer in men’s international football with 117 strikes in 191 games, Ronaldo is appearing in his fifth World Cup.
He missed Thursday’s friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon due to a stomach problem but has been training since arriving in Qatar.
“I’m feeling great, I’m recovered and I’m training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible,” Ronaldo said.
“I feel that this Portugal squad has amazing potential. I think we can win for sure, but we need to focus on the next game. So, it’s focusing in Ghana, get a win and go from there.
“We will see in the end who the best team is, but I believe Portugal is the best team in this World Cup. But we need to show it on the pitch.” The Portugal forward also spoke about the seemingly never ending debate about the greatest footballer of this generation - Argentina striker Lionel Messi or Ronaldo? “I would like to be the player to checkmate Messi, it happened in the chess game and in football it would be magic,” Ronaldo said with a smile.
He was referring to an advertisement of French luxury fashion Louis Vuitton in which Messi and Ronaldo play chess. Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi has won seven Ballon d’Or awards.
“Even if I win the World Cup that debate will continue,” Ronaldo said.
“Some people like me more, some people like me less. The World Cup will always be a showcase.But if you tell me you won’t win any more tournaments in your career, I would still be happy, given all I have achieved.” Portugal is in World Cup Group H with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
