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‘I talk when I want’ - Cristiano Ronaldo says controversial interview not a distraction from World Cup

Manchester United forward caused consternation with his comments in an interview with Piers Morgan

Cristiano Ronaldo has asked journalists not to speak to Portugal teammates about his controversial Piers Morgan interview. Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo has asked journalists not to speak to Portugal teammates about his controversial Piers Morgan interview. Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty Images
Jamie Jackson
Mon Nov 21 2022 - 12:07

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he is “bullet proof” and that the timing of the interview that may lead to his sacking by Manchester United is not a distraction from Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo was speaking at his nation’s World Cup training base for the first time since the allegations he made against United that have caused the club to explore potential legal action against the forward.

“Timing is always timing,” he said. “From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings. Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to – don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to. Everybody knows. Please, don’t ask players about me. Ask about the World Cup.”

Ronaldo also described himself as “bullet proof” and denied there was friction with Bruno Fernandes, his United and Portugal teammate. A video of them together arriving at the World Cup caused a view that there may be.

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Ronaldo said: “I was playing around. His plane was late – I asked him: ‘Did you come by boat?’ The environment in the changing room is excellent. No problems. The group is shielded.”

The 37-year-old is confident his interview will not have a negative effect on Portugal. “The players know me really well for many years and know the type of person I am,” he said. “It’s an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I’m sure it won’t shake the changing room’s concentration and focus.”

Portugal play their first game against Ghana on Thursday and Ronaldo said he was “feeling great” and that Portugal, winners of Euro 2016, were capable of securing a first World Cup. “I believe Portugal is the best team in this World Cup,” he said. “But we need to show it on the pitch.” – Guardian