Ronaldo downplays tell-all interview

Cristiano Ronaldo is unfazed by the drama created by his explosive pre-World Cup interview on British TV and maintained Monday the atmosphere in Portugal’s squad was “excellent” heading into the tournament. The Manchester United striker gave an impromptu news conference at Portugal’s training base in the outskirts of Doha where he attempted to quell any concerns his tell-all interview published last week had affected squad morale. “The timing for me is my timing,” Ronaldo said. “I don’t have to worry about what others think. I am totally convinced this won’t have any influence on the national team. Every player, manager, president and kit man, they all know who I am, what I think. They know me since I was 11 years old.” Manchester United is weighing up how to deal with Ronaldo in the wake of an interview the club didn’t sanction, which contained criticism of the attitude of some of his teammates. This is likely the 37-year-old Ronaldo’s last chance to win the World Cup, the only major title missing from the resume of one of the world’s greatest ever players.