Cristiano Ronaldo News: “Everything about me will always spark criticism and controversy”, says Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo says his explosive interview with Piers Morgan last week has not been a distraction in the Portugal changing room at the World Cup; Ronaldo also says his relationship with Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes is "excellent" after awkward handshake.

 

According to Skysports, Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV saw the 37-year-old criticise United and manager Erik ten Hag, who the player says he has "no respect" for, while he also said he had been "betrayed" by the club.

 

But in a surprise and unadvertised media appearance for Portugal ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday, Ronaldo publicly addressed his bombshell interview for the first time since it aired amid questions whether it had been a distraction in the Portugal dressing room.

 

He said: "The atmosphere is excellent, no problems, we are completely focused. You can help by not talking about me. I'm completely bulletproof and iron-clad.

 

"If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo I would be upset. If you want to ask him about the World Cup and the team, I would like you to do that."

 

He added: "In my life, the best timing is always my timing.

 

"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.

 

"Its 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."

 

Referring to himself in the third person, Ronaldo said that "everything related to him will always spark criticism and controversy".