Ronaldo Keeps Cool: His TV Takedown Won’t Shake Portugal’s World Cup Mood
In a fiery back‑channel interview that saw the Manchester United striker boast about a “betrayal” by his club, Cristiano Ronaldo insisted it’s no big deal for the Portugal squad preparing for the World Cup. “I’m not worried about how this might affect the team,” the 37‑year‑old said at a press conference on Monday.
What He’s Thinking
“The best timing is always mine,” Ronaldo told reporters. “I don’t have to worry about what other people think. The players know me, and they know what kind of person I am.” He went on to say that the group is “ambitious, hungry, and focused.” In his own words, the interview will not shake the team’s concentration.
Ronaldo admits that fame brings constant criticism and controversy. But he’s confident that his teammates will keep their eyes on the pitch, not the headlines.
Handshakes & Humor
Another viral moment was the awkward handshake with attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo clarified that it was a joke:
- “Everything about me sparks controversy.”
- “I was teasing him about his jet arriving late. I asked if he’d come by boat.”
- “The locker room environment is great. There are no problems.”
Back to Practice
After skipping the friendly against Nigeria due to a stomach issue, Ronaldo has been training with the squad since arriving in Qatar last Friday. He says he’s recovered and ready for the tournament.
“I feel great,” he added. “The Portuguese squad has amazing potential, and I believe we can clinch a win. We just need to focus on Ghana first.” The next challenge comes against Ghana, with their group also including Uruguay and South Korea.
Will Portugal Reign Supreme?
Ronaldo ends on a high note, confident in his team’s prospects: “We’ll see at the end who’s the best, but in this World Cup, Portugal is the favorite. We just need to show it on the field.”
