'NO controversy' in Portugal squad after Ronaldo interview, says Neves

Ruben Neves insists there is ‘NO controversy’ inside the Portugal changing room after Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview – and claims the Man United star is in ‘spectacular form’ ahead of the World Cup

  • Ruben Neves has claimed there is ‘no controversy’ in the Portugal dressing room
  • His comments came after Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiery interview with Piers Morgan 
  • Neves said the striker is in ‘spectacular form’ as they approach the World Cup 
  • Portugal get their campaign underway against Ghana on Thursday 
  • Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

Ruben Neves has claimed there is ‘no controversy’ among the Portugal players despite the apparent fallout from Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary recent interview.

The Manchester United striker openly criticised Erik ten Hag and the way he had been treated by the club in an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan this week. Sportsmail have since revealed that United are looking to take legal action against Ronaldo as a result of his comments.

Despite the events surrounding Portugal’s star striker, Neves insisted the squad remained focused and together. He said: ‘There is no controversy inside the changing room. 

Ruben Neves has claimed there is ‘no controversy’ in the Portugal dressing room

Cristiano Ronaldo recently gave an explosive interview about his time at Manchester United

‘So it is impossible for us to fear any impact around that controversy as there is no controversy inside the changing room. 

‘This controversy exists in the media, not in the changing room. It has been all said. We are 100% focused on our World Cup campaign. We have a spectacular environment in the national team. That is our focus.’

There had been rumours of a rift between Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes following an apparently frosty exchange in the changing room,  but the midfielder has since denied the pair have fallen out.

Bruno Fernandes (right) has denied any claims his relationship with Ronaldo is frosty

Neves went on to assure fans that Ronaldo would be a key player for Portugal in Qatar, as he explained: ‘From what I have been seeing in training, he is in spectacular form. Therefore, this is is not an issue that concerns us at all. 

‘We are totally aware that we have to perform as a team in order to get the most of each individual. Cristiano is no different. If we play well, Cristiano will be phenomenal.’

He may be approaching the end of his career, but Ronaldo does have a remarkable record for Portugal: The 37-year-old has bagged 117 goals in 191 games for his country, and was a key part of their Euros win in 2016.

Portugal get their World Cup underway against Ghana at Stadium 974 on Thursday. 




Share this article


Source: Read Full Article