Ronaldo's problems with Man Utd won't affect Portugal at World Cup - Joao Mario



Cristiano Ronaldo's scathing complaint against Manchester United will now have no effect on Portugal's quest for World Cup glory in Qatar, insists midfielder Joao Mario.

Ronaldo persevered in a torrid season after apparently expressing his preference to leave Old Trafford in the transfer window, making just 4 Premier League starts and scoring just once in opposition.

Having been swiftly exiled from first-team activities with the help of Erik ten Hag after refusing to report to Tottenham instead last month, Ronaldo United's future is once again in doubt following his decision to provide an explosive interview to Piers Morgan.< /p>

In the first published excerpts of the interview, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed he was 'betrayed' by using United and said he had no respect for Ten Hag.

Ronaldo is set to start his fifth and possibly final World Cup campaign this month, and international team-mate Joao Mario no longer believes Portugal will qualify for the 37-12 month vintage action.< /p>

"I don't see a problem with the timing, so it's excellent for us," Joao Mario said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I don't think that puts extra pressure on him or on us. We're used to dealing with high quality pressure.

"It is not the first time that a player has involved the national team who has problems with his club. One of the advantages is that we have put everything aside while we are here.

"When we come to the national group, it is another work organization and we try to realize what is most vital.

"The headlines are usually about him. Honestly, every time we come to the national team, the first questions asked are always about Ronaldo. The focus is always on him, and we're used to that.

"He is always happy when he is with the national team. I saw him the day before and he is exceptional as always while he arrives here.

"He is definitely focused on the national group and he will be a big help for us at the World Cup."

Portugal will begin their Group H marketing campaign against Ghana on November 24 after winning Nigeria in an enjoyable pre-match game on Thursday.

Having scored in the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Ronaldo is set to become the first player to score in five different variations of the match when he travels to the sector in Qatar.

However, his seven World Cup dreams so far have come in group degree - no player has scored more dreams during the match without finding the net in a knockout tie.

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