Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo defends controversial Piers Morgan interview

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 November 2022

Manchester United and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo hits back at the criticism surrounding his shock interview with Piers Morgan.

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at the criticism surrounding his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

The discussion on TalkTV aired over two nights last week, with the 37-year-old hitting out at his club Manchester United, including their owners, and head coach Erik ten Hag, during an interview which shocked the world of football.

Man United are believed to be keen to terminate Ronaldo's contract, but the forward currently has his full focus on international commitments, as he prepares to represent Portugal at the World Cup.

The forward has said that he is "bullet-proof and iron-clad", with the veteran insisting that he will not listen to the criticism that has come his way over the last few days.

"In my life, the best timing is always my timing. From your side it is easy to look at how we can choose timings. Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don't have to think about what other people think. I speak when I want," Ronaldo told reporters.

Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during Portugal training on November 19, 2022 © Reuters

"The players know me really well for many years and know the type of person I am. It's an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I'm sure (the interview) won't shake the changing room's concentration and focus.

"You can help by not talking about me. I'm completely bullet-proof and iron-clad. If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo I would be upset. If you want to ask him about the World Cup and the team, I would like you to do that."

Ronaldo also insisted that he has an "excellent" relationship with Bruno Fernandes after a recent video of the teammates at club and international level appeared to suggest there was tension.

"My relationship with him (Fernandes) is excellent," Ronaldo said. "I was joking with him. His plane arrived late and I asked if he had come by boat. That's it. The environment in the changing room is excellent. No problems."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during training on October 26, 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo was not involved in Portugal's friendly with Nigeria on Thursday due to a stomach problem, but the attacker has said that he has now fully recovered from the issue.

"I'm feeling great, I'm recovered and I'm training well and ready to start the World Cup in the best way possible," he added.

"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 on 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."

Portugal will open their Group H campaign against Ghana on November 24, while they will also take on Uruguay and South Korea in the group stage of the competition.