Ronaldo backed for ´phenomenal´ World Cup by Neves

Cristiano Ronaldo will be “phenomenal” at the World Cup as long as Portugal meet expectations as a collective, according to his team-mate Ruben Neves.

Ronaldo has been at the centre of a media storm over the past week after he took part in an astonishing interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.

During the one-on-one, Ronaldo was largely scathing of Manchester United, criticising the board, young players and manager, Erik ten Hag.

United confirmed on Thursday they have dealt with the matter, though they did not disclose what punishment had been handed out to Ronaldo.

He was then reported as being ill when absent for Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Thursday, but he returned to training two days later.

Despite the hysteria surrounding the 37-year-old, Neves insists Portugal – and Ronaldo – are looking good ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.

“From what I’ve seen in training, he’s in great shape,” Neves told reporters at Portugal’s training base.

“[Ronaldo’s interview] is not at all a subject that concerns us. We know perfectly well that our collective must work very well to highlight individuals.

Jogo a jogo com um único pensamento.