Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo clarified his cold greeting with fellow countryman Bruno Fernandes last week when they met for the World Cup training on Monday.
Manchester United stars Ronaldo and Fernandes appeared to have a tense moment in a dressing room video that has since gone viral after the 37-year-old striker’s tell-all interview in which he criticised the manager and the owners.
Before Portugal’s opening match against Ghana on Thursday, Ronaldo told the media in Doha that he had just questioned Bruno about why he was being late for a training session. He also slammed the media for bringing in unnecessary questions.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, he said:
“His plane was late – I asked him did you come by boat. Please, don’t ask players about me – ask about the World Cup.”
After the Portugal captain spoke out against United in the explosive interview with Piers Morgan, there was widespread speculation that there was a rift between Ronaldo and Bruno. Bruno, who claimed he hadn’t read Ronaldo’s interview and that everything was fine within the Portugal team, also clarified the handshake scenario between them.
Regardless of speculation, Ronaldo will be motivated to perform well in Qatar because it may be his final World Cup appearance.
The Euro champion admitted that while it would be a dream come true for Portugal to win the World Cup, he would still be proud of his professional accomplishments even if the Selecao didn’t succeed in taking home the trophy.
