Cristiano Ronaldo shocked World Cup reporters after making an unexpected appearance at a press conference.
The striker – hoping to lead his country to glory in Qatar – has defended his infamous Manchester United interview with Piers Morgan, in which he made numerous allegations and accusations against his club.
His interview dominated the media, but he was quick to ask the world press to stop asking his teammates about it as he seeks to focus on the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has asked the media to stop asking his Portugal teammates about his scandalous interview
Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan seems to have burned all his bridges at Manchester United
“Time is always time,” he said in an unscheduled appearance Monday morning. “It is easy for you to see how we can choose times.
“Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry about what other people think. I talk when I want to. Everyone knows who I am, what I believe. They know me [here] since I was 11. They will not be affected by what people say and write about me.
“The atmosphere is excellent, there are no problems, we are fully focused. You can help by not talking about me. I am fully armored and iron clad.
“If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo, I will get upset. If you want to ask him about the World Cup and the team, I’d love for you to do so.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media this morning
“I’m impenetrable. I wear an iron suit.”
“Stop asking my teammates about me. Ask them about the World Cup. I don’t care what other people think. I speak when I want to.” pic.twitter.com/lmFCFClGdM
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 21, 2022
Portugal’s World Cup campaign begins on Thursday against Ghana in Group H
Portugal’s World Cup campaign does not begin until Thursday when they face Ghana in Group H, but much of the build-up has involved speculation about Ronaldo’s club future rather than his national team prospects.
Footage of Ronaldo congratulating Bruno Fernandes has gone viral
Many pointed to the apparently frosty greeting given to fellow United man Bruno Fernandes upon his arrival at Portugal’s training camp as signs of training camp friction.
This particular incident was also covered by Ronaldo on his impromptu show and he explained: “We were just playing around – we have a great relationship. His plane was late and I asked him, “Did you come by boat?” I stumbled.
‘The same with [Joao] cancello. He was sad during practice. I said, “Wake up, come on, you’ve got this!” Another argument from you.
Fernandes – United’s main captain this season – previously denied there was a rift with the national team, saying: “I haven’t read the interview so I agree with that. As I said before, now [it] is [the] National team, [it] is Portugal.
“I told him the coach noted it was ‘us’ so he’s done that since I came into the national team in 2017 I think and it’s still clear in his mind.
“The main thing here is the national team and us, so we have to be focused on the World Cup, because the World Cup doesn’t come every time, you don’t get a chance to play in the World Cup many times.
“Cristiano is lucky to play five times, this will be his fifth World Cup, so everyone is ready for it and everyone wants to give the best for the team.”
Ronaldo dismissed speculation of a rift with the national team, which Fernandez echoed
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to add the World Cup to his already glittering list of honors after winning Euros with his country in 2016 and is likely to be playing in his final tournament for his country.
And he revealed he has ‘always’ played with responsibility on his shoulders, adding: ‘I always take responsibility. I felt a responsibility when I went to live alone in Lisbon. I am watched more than others, but I am always responsible as a father, as a friend, it is part of my daily life.
“I like to be in charge. I always had pressure from the youth. Sometimes I do well, sometimes not so much. I’m not perfect, but I have the ability to take responsibility.
But he admitted many will still question his place in football’s hierarchy even if his Portugal return home as world champions.
Ronaldo admitted he doubts winning the World Cup will end his divisive reputation in football
“Even if I win the World Cup, it will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.
I’ve always had to show what I can do year after year, especially for myself, family and fans. Everybody has an opinion. I respect that.
“I would live to win this tournament. I’m ambitious, but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments, I’ll still be happy considering everything I’ve won. I would be happy with my achievements.
“In the history books, all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream. I hope all the energy is on the right side and on our side.”
Ronaldo admits he may not be perfect but is able to take on ‘responsibilities’
It is the first time the 37-year-old has spoken publicly about the interview, which aired in parts on Wednesday and Thursday last week.
It has been reported by Sportsmail that United have started legal proceedings to terminate his £500,000-a-week contract at the club with the intention of not paying him a penny of the £16million he will earn before the end of June 2023.
It comes after he claimed the club had “betrayed” him and he admitted he had no respect for manager Eric ten Haag, before criticizing already unpopular owners the Glazer family.
The 37-year-old criticized Eric ten Haag and the Glazer family, and said he had been “betrayed” by the club
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