World Cup 2022:Cristiano Ronaldo says row

with Manchester United will not

‘shake’Portugal
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.”