Cristiano Ronaldo skipped Portugal’s press conference ahead of the country’s opening World Cup match Thursday against Ghana following his shocking split from Manchester United on Tuesday.
Ronaldo’s teammate Bruno Fernandes — also of Manchester United — took the podium on Wednesday instead, along with Portugal manager Fernando Santos. Fernandes also addressed Ronaldo’s exit from the Premier League club.
“It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that,” Fernandes said, per the Manchester Evening Standard.
“I haven’t discussed the topic with Cris. We’re all focused on the national team and the World Cup. I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.”
Portugal manager Fernando Santos (left) and Bruno Fernandes speak during a press conference on Nov. 23, 2022, ahead of the team’s opening World Cup match.AFP via Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo passes the ball during the Portugal training session on Nov. 21, 2022.Getty ImagesTeam captains typically attend the media sessions alongside their managers, and given Ronaldo has been Portugal’s captain for more than a decade, the 37-year-old athlete was expected to attend.
Ronaldo’s tenure with Manchester United had reached a breaking point in recent weeks, with the renowned forward criticizing the club and its manager, Erik ten Hag, in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
During the sit-down, Ronaldo — who returned to Manchester United in 2021 after playing for the club from 2003-09 — said he has “no respect” for ten Hag, whom he alleged was one of the multiple individuals who tried to force his ouster in the offseason.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the Portugal press conference on Nov. 21, 2022.Getty ImagesRonaldo also likened Manchester United to a “marketing club,” and accused the Glazer family, who owns the team, of caring more about what’s happening off the pitch than on it.
Manchester United thanked Ronaldo for his contributions on Tuesday.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future,” the statement read.
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United in August 2022.Getty ImagesFollow all the 2022 World Cup action with more from the New York Post
Ronaldo, who has since been linked to Chelsea, will not receive the $19.1 million he was due to earn on the remainder of his contract, the Daily Mail reported Tuesday.
As for the World Cup itself, Portugal hasn’t missed the global event ever since Ronaldo first joined the team in 2006. That tournament was the furthest Ronaldo has made it in a World Cup, when Portugal lost in the semifinals to France.
Four years ago, he and Portugal finished second in their group to Spain, before losing 2-1 to Uruguay in the Round of 16. However, Ronaldo had one of his most memorable performances with a hat trick against Spain in Portugal’s opening game.
