Khaleej Times

No questions on Madrid , Ronaldo tells journalist­s

- — IANS

moscow — Portugal and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo remained coy about his future with the Spanish football giants, refusing to take questions beyond the Confederat­ions Cup where his national team won 1-0 against hosts Russia.

Ronaldo netted the winner of the game with a first-half header to send the European champions to the top of Group A and all but secure a place in next week’s semifinals.

He was adjudged the man-ofthe-match

Do you think he should answer questions from issues outside the game? He is here to talk about the game, full stop

Fernando Santos, Portugal coach

and thus had to attend the post-match press conference.

“I’m very happy,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by ESPNFC.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game against a very strong team.

“It’s the first time Portugal have won in Russia and I think the team played very well. We played against a team playing at home with a home crowd, a team that pressured us but we were better.”

“We had more opportunit­ies than Russia and we were just winners. We have four points and we have to congratula­te the team.”

Portugal coach Fernando Santos backed his player when queried over Ronaldo refusing to take questions on his club future.

“Do you think he should answer questions from issues outside the game?” Santos said.

“He is here to talk about the game, full stop, not about his life and his family.

“I understand you are curious, but you have to respect and have an understand­ing -- and I’m saying this with a good feeling.

“You will have other opportunit­ies. I think he did very well in not answering other questions,” Santos added.

 ?? AFP ?? Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Russia. —
AFP Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Russia. —

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