Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has urged the media and Ronaldo’s critics to keep the talisman under scrutiny as he feels it gets the best out of the veteran. Ronaldo has hogged the limelight for his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he lashed out at Manchester United and the club’s manager Erik Ten Hag.
Ronaldo was under a lot of pressure when he was leading Portugal in the team’s World Cup opener against Ghana. However, the linchpin has always enjoyed the big stage and he once again delivered for the team when it mattered the most.
Ronaldo earned a penalty for his team in the 65th minute and then scored from the spot. Ergo, the veteran became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score at five different World Cups. Portugal went on to win their opening game by 3-2 as all five goals were scored in the second half.
“I think he likes to work under that criticism from everyone, so I pray all of you to keep doing that because he gets the best of himself when you guys do that,” Fernandes said. “It was a dream come true to play with him in the national team and in the club also, and that is something amazing.
“I still share the space with him in the national team and the main thing for me is that Portugal does the best we can in the tournament because if we do it, Cristiano will be happy, I will be happy and everyone in Portugal will be happy for us.”
On the other hand, Ronaldo added that the most important thing is the fact they won the game and got off to a good start. The Portuguese captain was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance.
“The most important step is we won,” Ronaldo said. “It was a week that finished this chapter. This chapter is closed. We wanted to start with a good foot. We won. I could help my team. All the rest does not matter.
“This was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup. We won, we started with a good foot. A very important win. We know the first match is crucial. But also a world record. The first player in five World Cups to score. That makes me proud.
“I’m very happy for the team that we got a good result. A tough game but a good result.”
Portugal will next take on Uruguay on Monday at the Lusail Stadium.
