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Cristiano Ronaldo’s rift with Manchester United won’t derail Portugal’s World Cup marketing campaign, in keeping with Benfica midfielder Joao Mario.
The five-time Ballon d’Or or winner accused United of making an attempt to pressure him out of the membership in the summertime in an explosive TV interview on Sunday, simply at some point earlier than he arrived to the nationwide staff coaching camp in Oeiras, Lisbon.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
“I don’t see a problem with the timing [of Ronaldo’s interview] so it’s fine for us,” Joao Mario advised a information convention on Tuesday. “I don’t think it puts further pressure on him or on us. We’re used to dealing with great pressure.
“It’s not the primary time {that a} participant involves the nationwide staff having an issue together with his membership. One of the benefits is that we put every little thing to the facet when being right here. When we get to the nationwide staff, it is one other working group and we attempt to deal with what’s most vital.
“The headlines are always about him [Ronaldo]. Honestly, every time we come to the national team the first questions asked are always about Ronaldo.
“The focus is all the time on him, and we’re used to that.”
Sources have told ESPN that United coach Erik ten Hag has told United bosses that Ronaldo should not play for the club again after his interview.
Ronaldo also hit out at United’s owners in the interview and said he had no respect for Ten Hag, leaving his future at the club uncertain.
The 37-year-old was dropped by Ten Hag as punishment after refusing to come on as a substitute in a win over Tottenham Hotspur in October.
Ronaldo is on the cusp of playing in his fifth World Cup after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
– Ogden: Ronaldo desperate to force Man Utd exit
– 2022 World Cup: All squad lists for Qatar
The all-time men’s international goalscorer with 117 goals, Ronaldo was always expected to be included although he is in the midst of his most difficult campaign.
The Portugal captain has scored just three goals in 16 games across all competitions and started in just four Premier League games.
Ronaldo is under contract with United until June 2023 and has an option to extend it for a further year. He was the first player to step onto the pitch in Monday’s training session with Portugal and was all smiles.
“He is all the time completely happy when he’s with nationwide staff,” Joao Mario said of Ronaldo. “I noticed him yesterday and he’s nice as all the time when he arrives right here. “He is totally focused on the national team, he is going to be a big help for us at the World Cup.”
Portugal start their World Cup marketing campaign on Nov. 24 in opposition to Ghana.
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