Joao Mario has explained why Portugal aren’t fazed by the timing of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s explosive interview ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
The 37-year-old has gone on a tirade in an interview with Piers Morgan, slating the likes of Erik ten Hag, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Ralf Rangnick and the Glazer family.
Very few people connected to Manchester United have come away from the interview unscathed.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner dropped the bombshell and then swanned off to Qatar for the World Cup with Portugal.
ESPN report that Ten Hag held a meeting with co-chairman Joel Glazer, chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough on Monday to discuss the fallout from the Portugal captain’s interview where he claims he’s been betrayed by the Red Devils.
As well as tarnishing his legacy, Ronaldo has once again made the headlines all about him, but instead of dominating the headlines following an influential match-winning performance from arguably the greatest clutch player of all time, it’s the former Juventus man’s petulance off the pitch, which is seemingly keeping him relevant.
United’s number seven will likely never play for the club again, and it will take a brave team to sign the veteran who is driven by personal accolades.
Joao Mario explains why Portugal aren’t fazed by the timing of Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview
But with United left to pick up the mess Ronaldo left trailing in his wake just hours after we beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Joao Maria has explained why Fernando Santos’ side haven’t been impacted by the interview.
Speaking via Football Daily, Mario said: “The timing? No for us it’s the same – the headlines are always about him, so for us it’s quite the same.
“I don’t see a problem with the timing because everyone normally speaks about Cristiano, so it’s fine for us.”
The Portuguese midfielder also expanded on how he felt Ronaldo was feeling going into the World Cup off the back of the damming interview.
Benfica’s number 20 said: “He’s always happy when he’s with the national team. I saw him yesterday and he’s quite fine as always, and as I said before for him it’s always a pleasure to be here.
“He’s totally focused on national team and for sure he’s going to be a big help for us in this World Cup.”
The former Inter Milan man, who spent six months on loan at West Ham United in 2018, also downplayed what looked a frosty reunion between Ronaldo and Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes in the Portuguese camp.
Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against Ghana in nine days time.
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