Cristiano Ronaldo is not being viewed any differently by his international team-mates despite his recent interview with Piers Morgan, according to Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
- Wayne Rooney takes another swipe at Ronaldo after Lionel Messi question
- Frenkie De Jong sends Man Utd transfer message in brutal attack on Barcelona board
- Bernardo Silva opens up on relationship between Ronaldo & Bruno Fernandes
The striker’s time at Manchester United is likely to be cut short after his attack on the club.
The 37-year-old spoke of how he had ‘no respect’ for Erik ten Hag and also that he believed that the Red devils have not developed at all since he departed initially back in 2009.
The former Real Madrid player then took aim at the Glazers and about how they are not suitable owners for the club, which has ruffled feathers. United are now believed to be taking legal advice about whether they have the grounds to sack Ronaldo.
Though Wolves midfielder Neves has said that the Portugal captain’s international team-mates are not being influenced by the media talk around the United star.
Asked about whether Ronaldo’s club-level saga is proving to be a distraction, Neves said: “It’s impossible for us to walk around without being asked about the controversy, but I don’t think there’s any controversy at all between us in the changing room.
“We have a spectacular environment right here.” Portugal’s first game of the Qatar World Cup comes on Thursday when they play Ghana, in what will be seen as a winnable game by manager Fernando Santos.
The Euro 2016 champions were fearful they could be without Ronaldo for their opener after he missed a warm-up game against Nigeria due to illness. Though he is back to his ‘spectacular’ best, says Neves.
The 25-year-old added: “From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in spectacular shape. He doesn’t worry us at all, we as a team know perfectly well what we need to work on so that each individual stands out on gameday.”
“If we’re good as a team, Cristiano will be phenomenal.” If Ronaldo is able to thrive in Qatar then he may be able to give himself options when the January transfer window opens, assuming that he is still a United player at that stage.
