Cristiano Ronaldo says he will “speak when he wants” and that his spat with Manchester United will not “shake” Portugal’s World Cup team.
United are considering legal action to end Ronaldo’s time at the club following his critical interview with TalkTV.
Ronaldo, 37, stated that he felt “betrayed by the club” and had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.
“In my life, the best timing is always my timing,” Ronaldo said on Monday.
“I don’t have to think about what other people think,” the Portugal captain said during a surprise appearance at a news conference. I only speak when I want to. The players have known me for many years and are familiar with my personality.
“It’s an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I’m sure it [the interview] won’t shake the changing room’s concentration and focus.”
Five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or Ronaldo will captain Portugal in their first Group H match against Ghana on Thursday.
He has just over seven months left on his £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, but United could terminate it, freeing him to sign with another club when the transfer window opens in January.
He has not played since captaining United in their 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on November 6 due to an unspecified illness, but he says he is in good shape for his fifth World Cup.
“I’m feeling great, I’m recovered and I’m training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible,” said Ronaldo.
“I feel that this Portugal squad has amazing potential. I think we can win for sure, but we need to focus on the next game. So, it’s focusing in Ghana, get a win and go from there.
“We will see in the end who the best team is, but I believe Portugal is the best team in this World Cup. But we need to show it on the pitch.”
