CRISTIANO RONALDO’S explosive interview has not caused a distraction to Portugal’s World Cup preparations, insists boss Fernando Santos.
The star, 37, has caused shockwaves at Old Trafford after a number of bombshells.
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.
Ronaldo’s club-mate and compatriot Bruno Fernandes appeared to give the legend a frosty reception as the pair met up for Portugal duty this week.
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And when asked whether the ex-Real Madrid forward’s comments have had any impact on his team ahead of the World Cup, Santos was adamant they had nothing to do with the national team.
He said: “The player decided to give an interview as many others have.
“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.
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“The only thing we talk about is the preparation for Qatar. It (the interview) does not affect us at all.”
Ronaldo missed training on Wednesday with a stomach bug and will not play in Thursday’s friendly with Nigeria in Lisbon before heading to Qatar.
Santos added: “He is in his room resting and recovering.
“He won’t practice and won’t be ready for tomorrow’s game either.”
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
