CRISTIANO RONALDO and his Portuguese team-mates have touched down in Qatar.
The Manchester United forward, who has caused shockwaves with his explosive interview with Piers Morgan this week, is heading towards his fifth and probably final World Cup.
He and his international colleagues were suited and booted as they landed at Hamad International Airport on Friday.
Ronaldo, 37, missed last night’s 4-0 friendly victory over Nigeria due to a stomach bug.
However, he showed no ill-effects as he looked a picture of concentration in front of the camera upon arrival in the Middle East.
It comes amid news that United are preparing to take legal action against the legend over his bombshell interview.
READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
SunSport revealed exclusively this week that the club wanted to rip up his contract and now a club statement has now seemed to confirm that.
United have reportedly instructed Ronaldo not to return to Carrington once he gets back from the World Cup.
It is also understood the club have begun the legal process to terminate Ronaldo’s £500k-a-week deal without paying him a single penny of the £16million he would have earned until he deal expires at the end of June.
The statement read: “Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview.
Most read in Football
PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
“We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion.”
He hit out at United for “betraying” him and making him feel like a “black sheep” as well as blaming him for everything going wrong at the club.
The striker revealed he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and blasted the club’s lack of progress since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 – the last time they won the title.
And he also claimed that the club “doubted” him after he informed them that the reason he arrived late of pre-season was because his baby daughter was in hospital through illness.
On the second part of the incredible interview he shockingly revealed he wants bitter rivals Arsenal to clinch the title if United can’t – that was after stating that he believes his side are three years away from challenging themselves.
But for at least the nest fortnight the superstar is focussed on trying to land the one crown that has so far evaded him.
Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign next Thursday against Ghana.
They then face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
