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Rob Dawsonreporter
cristiano ronaldo defended the timing of his blockbuster interview with Piers Morgan and told journalists to stop asking him Portugal teammates about you.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the interview, Ronaldo said he has no regrets about the timing despite the consequences overshadowing Portugal’s preparations for the World Cup in Qatar.
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Sources have told ESPN that Manchester United are seeking to terminate the 37-year-old’s contract following his criticism of the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
“The moment is always the moment,” Ronaldo told a press conference at Al Shaniya Sports Club. “From your side, it’s easy to see how we can pick the moment. Sometimes you write the truth, sometimes you write the lies. I don’t have to worry about what other people think. I say when I want to. Everyone knows who I am, what I believe in.”
Both Bernardo Silva and Ruben Neves was questioned about Ronaldo at press conferences on Saturday and Sunday.
Ronaldo also participated in a moment that looked like it was awkward with Bruno Fernandes when the pair met at Portugal’s training camp in Lisbon last week, sparking speculation that the interview had caused problems between the two United teammates.
“We played around last week,” said Ronaldo. “His plane was late, and I asked him, ‘Are you coming by boat?’ Please don’t ask the players about me, ask about the World Cup.”
Ronaldo missed Portugal’s warm-up match against Nigeria last week but have been training as usual since arriving in Qatar. He hasn’t played for United since the previous 3-1 loss Aston Villa on November 6 but said he was ready to face gana on Thursday.
“I feel good,” he said. “I had a small problem, but I’ve recovered. We trained well and I feel ready to start the World Cup in the best way. I’m fine.
“I believe we have great potential. I believe [we can win] and I have that feeling, but we have to start well with Ghana, that’s the hardest thing.”
Ronaldo also said he has nothing to prove by winning the World Cup because he has “nothing lacking in my life.”
“If I had to prove something at the age of 37 and 8 months [old]… After what I’ve done and won, it will be a surprise for me,” added Ronaldo.
“I’m an ambitious player. I’d love to win his World Cup. It would be magical, breathtaking, a dream.”
“I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished so far… Thanks to God, I don’t lack for anything in my life.”
