No love and respect at Man United but A-league ready to offer Ronaldo both
LISBON: Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview has not been a distraction in the changing room before they travel to Qatar for the World Cup.
Asked if Ronaldo’s comments about his club Manchester United had had an impact on his team as they prepare for the World Cup, Santos said what happened with his highest profile player has nothing to do with the national squad.
“The player decided to give an interview as many others have,” Santos told a news conference on Wednesday in Lisbon.
“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.”
Santos said he had not heard any players mentioning the interview since they reported for duty on Monday.
“The only thing we talk about is the preparation for Qatar. It (the interview) does not affect us at all,” Santos said.
He added that Ronaldo was recovering from a stomach problem.
“He is in his room resting and recovering. He won’t practise for now,” coach Santos said.
“I have full confidence in the group. Not only Ronaldo but all the players are very focused.
“The players have given me absolute guarantee – not that I need it – of the total focus and ambition they have for this World Cup.”
Portugal are in World Cup Group H with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, A-league boss Danny Townsend has made a bid to lure Ronaldo to the Australian top flight, while admitting it might not be able to compete financially with rival offers for the disaffected United star.
Ronaldo’s future at United is up in the air after he said he felt “betrayed” by the Premier League club and had no respect for its manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Townsend told Australian media yesterday that he had made an offer to Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in case Ronaldo parts ways with United.
“Ronaldo said he wasn’t getting any love and respect at Manchester United but we’ll certainly give him plenty of love and respect in Australia,” Townsend said in comments published by News Corp.
Ronaldo’s former United teammate Nani joined A-league club Melbourne Victory this season.—