Cristiano Ronaldo‘s rift with Manchester United is not going to derail Portugal‘s World Cup marketing campaign, in line with Benfica midfielder Joao Mario.
The five-time Ballon d’Or or winner accused United of making an attempt to pressure him out of the membership in the summertime in an explosive TV interview on Sunday, simply someday earlier than he arrived to the nationwide crew coaching camp in Oeiras, Lisbon.
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“I do not see an issue with the timing [of Ronaldo’s interview] so it is nice for us,” Joao Mario instructed a information convention on Tuesday. “I do not assume it places additional stress on him or on us. We’re used to coping with nice stress.
“It isn’t the primary time {that a} participant involves the nationwide crew having an issue together with his membership. One of many benefits is that we put all the pieces to the aspect when being right here. After we get to the nationwide crew, it is one other working group and we attempt to deal with what’s most necessary.
“The headlines are at all times about him [Ronaldo]. Truthfully, each time we come to the nationwide crew the primary questions requested are at all times about Ronaldo.
“The main focus is at all times on him, and we’re used to that.”
Sources have instructed ESPN that United coach Erik ten Hag has instructed United bosses that Ronaldo mustn’t play for the membership once more after his interview.
Ronaldo additionally hit out at United’s homeowners within the interview and stated he had no respect for Ten Hag, leaving his future on the membership unsure.
The 37-year-old was dropped by Ten Hag as punishment after refusing to come back on instead in a win over Tottenham Hotspur in October.
Ronaldo is on the cusp of taking part in in his fifth World Cup after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
– Ogden: Ronaldo determined to pressure Man Utd exit
– 2022 World Cup: All squad lists for Qatar
The all-time males’s worldwide goalscorer with 117 targets, Ronaldo was at all times anticipated to be included though he’s within the midst of his most tough marketing campaign.
The Portugal captain has scored simply three targets in 16 video games throughout all competitions and began in simply 4 Premier League video games.
Ronaldo is beneath contract with United till June 2023 and has an choice to increase it for an additional yr. He was the primary participant to step onto the pitch in Monday’s coaching session with Portugal and was all smiles.
“He’s at all times completely happy when he’s with nationwide crew,” Joao Mario stated of Ronaldo. “I noticed him yesterday and he’s nice as at all times when he arrives right here. “He’s completely targeted on the nationwide crew, he’s going to be an enormous assist for us on the World Cup.”
Portugal start their World Cup marketing campaign on Nov. 24 towards Ghana.
