World
Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo says row with Manchester United will not 'shake'
Portugal
|
Fifa World Cup |
|
Host nation: Qatar Dates: 20
November-18 December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer,
BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC
Sport website and app. Day-by-day TV listings - Full coverage details |
Cristiano Ronaldo says
he will "speak when he wants" and his row with Manchester United will
not "shake" his Portugal team at the World Cup.
United are exploring their legal options as they look to end
Ronaldo's time at the club following his critical interview with TalkTV.
Ronaldo, 37, said he felt "betrayed by
the club" and stated he had "no respect" for manager Erik ten
Hag.
"In my life, the best timing is always my
timing," Ronaldo said on Monday.
Making a surprise appearance at a news
conference, the Portugal captain said: "I don't have to think about what
other people think. I speak when I want. The players know me really well for
many years and know the type of person I am.
"It's 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."
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo will lead
Portugal into their opening Group H game against Ghana on Thursday.
He has just over seven months remaining on his
£500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford but United could terminate the
forward's contract, which would leave him free to sign for another club when
the transfer window opens in January.
He has not played because of an unspecified
illness since he captained United in their 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 6
November, but he says he feels in shape for what will be his fifth World Cup.
"I'm feeling great, I'm recovered and I'm
training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible,"
said Ronaldo.
"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."
