Football: Ronaldo interview is not a distraction for Portugal, coach Santos says
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo performs during his team's training session on Nov 14, 2022.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LISBON – Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview has not been a distraction in the changing room as they prepared for a friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon on Thursday, the team’s last match before they travel to Qatar for the World Cup.
Asked if Ronaldo’s comments about his club Manchester United has had an impact on his team, Santos said what happened with his highest-profile player has nothing to do with the national squad.
The striker had said he felt betrayed that he was being forced out of United and that he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag, while he also criticised the club hierarchy for having no ambition and no compassion for his family issues.
“The player decided to give an interview as many others have,” Santos said on Wednesday in Lisbon.
“It’s a personal interview, very personal actually, and we have to respect that. Isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo a free man? It was his decision and we have to understand and respect it.”
Santos added that he had not heard any players mentioning the interview since they reported for duty on Monday.
“The only thing we talk about is the preparation for Qatar. It (the interview) does not affect us at all,” he said.
“I have full confidence in the group. Not only Ronaldo but all the players are very focused.”
Ronaldo, the all-time top scorer in international football with 117 goals, has started just four games in the Premier League this season and scored only once.
Portugal open their World Cup campaign in Group H against Ghana next Thursday and will also face Uruguay and South Korea.
While Ronaldo’s comments had not affected Portugal, France defender Raphael Varane admitted his United teammates were concerned by the interview.
“Obviously it affects us,” said Varane, who is fighting to be fit for Les Bleus’ Group D opener against Australia on Tuesday.
“We follow what is happening. We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it.”
Former United captain Gary Neville, however, has said Ronaldo’s United contract should be terminated by the club.
“l don’t think he wants a way back,” Neville told Sky Sports. “He wouldn’t have done this interview if he wanted a way back.
“He knew it would bring the headlines and be the end of his United career.
“United know they have to terminate Cristiano’s contract or they open up a precedent so any player can criticise them in future.”
Ronaldo has just over six months left on his contract. REUTERS, AFP
