Wolves star Ruben Neves has insisted the focus of he and his teammates is entirely on the World Cup, following the controversial interview given by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last week, the Manchester United striker sat down with Talk TV’s Piers Morgan to dish the dirt on life at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag and criticism from former teammates.
Ronaldo made a string of revelations, in what was one of the most extraordinary sporting interviews in recent memory.
Ronaldo still being employed by United adds to the controversy.
His comments have gone down very badly with a lot of United fans. But he has also been praised by many others.
It has been a huge story, and now there is a lot more focus on Ronaldo and therefore Portugal at the World Cup.
Given what he has had to say, people are now expecting him to deliver.
The pressure is on, but that’s probably not something that will faze him.
The pressure brought about by the situation might not be appreciated by his teammates though.
That said, Wolves maestro Neves has assured fans that they won’t let the situation affect them, even though everyone keeps asking the players about it.
He said (via Express & Star): “There is no controversy in the changing room. This controversy exists in the media. We are 100 percent focused on our World Cup campaign.
“We have a spectacular environment and that is our focus. Sure, it’s impossible for us to walk around without being asked about the controversy. But I don’t think there is any controversy at all between us in the changing room.”
Ruben Neves ready to shine for Portugal on the biggest stage
It is good to hear Neves saying that the mood in the camp is good after the Ronaldo interview. Not that he would say the opposite if that was the case.
It must be slightly frustrating for the squad to have to deal with the additional pressure and harsher spotlight.
But Neves just needs to get on with it and play to the very high standards Wolves fans know he can.
He’s been brilliant for his club so far this season.
And it would be fantastic to see him starting games on the very biggest stage.
Neves was an unused substitute in Portugal’s last friendly match against Nigeria. But he was heavily involved in the Nations League for Portugal, so it’s possible we’ll be seeing him quite a bit in Qatar.