It is time, according to Portugal defender Ruben Dias, to concentrate on the FIFA World Cup 2022 and put the media frenzy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview behind us.
The center-back for Manchester City claimed that despite the diversion, Ronaldo’s remarks had not hurt the country’s effort to win the championship for the first time ever.
In an interview with Britain’s TalkTV last week, Ronaldo, who has played a minor role for Manchester United this season, criticized the team and coach Erik ten Hag.
Following the match, he was seen shaking hands with Bruno Fernandes, a teammate from Portugal and Manchester United, and also holding Joao Cancelo by the head.
But Dias asserted that it was time to proceed.
So I don’t have much to say about it, Dias added. “I don’t think Cristiano’s affairs have put a hole whatsoever into what we are trying to achieve here.”
“I believe we have covered this in enough detail; there isn’t much else to say. As a team, we will put the World Cup first right now and ignore anything else.
At his fifth World Cup, Ronaldo, who has a record-breaking 117 goals in 117 international matches for men’s football, will serve as captain.
The star forward is unapologetic about the controversy his interview with reporters caused, telling reporters: “I talk when I want to.”
Euro 2016 champions Portugal is one of the favorite teams in Qatar, but Dias would not predict how far they could advance.
The defender chose to concentrate on Ghana, who Portugal’s first opponent is on Thursday before matches against Uruguay and South Korea.
Dias stated, “We’re focused on defeating Ghana. The ideal strategy for success is to concentrate on one game at a time, according to the coach.
Ghana is a physically and technically powerful team. They have soccer players competing at the highest level in Europe.
We are conscious that we are up against a very dangerous team. Although we are aware of the challenges Ghana may present, we are intent on what we are doing. When they regain the ball in transition, they are powerful.