The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke to the press for the primary time since his interview with Piers Morgan went international.
Cristiano Ronaldo has defended his interview with Piers Morgan and rubbished strategies of unrest within the Portugal camp.
Tens of millions of viewers tuned in from all over the world final week to look at Ronaldo’s 90-minute interview with Morgan on TalkTV, the place the ahead overtly criticized Manchester United and supervisor Erik ten Hag.
Nonetheless, whereas Ronaldo’s time at Previous Trafford seems to be at its finish, the Portugal captain’s sole focus is now on the World Cup.
“There are tens of millions of people that like me. That’s what motivates me. There is no such thing as a cash to pay for that. The enjoyment of the youngsters,” Ronaldo mentioned in a press convention at Portugal’s coaching camp.
“Timing is at all times timing. Out of your facet, it’s simple to have a look at how we are able to select timings. Typically you write truths, [and] typically you write lies.
“I don’t have to fret what others assume. I discuss after I need to. Employees, gamers, everybody is aware of me, they know what I believe, they’ve identified me since I used to be 11, they gained’t be influenced by what [the critics] say.”
The 37-year-old additionally insisted his interview gained’t derail Portugal’s World Cup preparations and slammed the media for asking his teammates about it.
“Please, don’t ask gamers about me,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“Ask in regards to the World Cup, I’m bulletproof. I’ve an armored thoughts. I’ve little doubt that this latest episode, that interview, and different episodes with different gamers that occur typically, can typically shake the participant however gained’t shake the workforce.
“Everybody actually needs this competitors, everybody needs to play, which is one thing I prefer to see. The ambition may be very excessive.”
When requested about his alleged frosty exchanges with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo, Ronaldo replied: “I made a joke with Bruno, with whom I’ve a superb relationship.
“His flight was delayed and I requested if he had come by boat. It was a joke, because it was with Joao Cancelo.”