Ruben Dias has asked reporters at a press conference to stop 'creating divides' regarding his Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester City defender Dias is preparing for Portugal's World Cup last-16 clash with Switzerland on Tuesday, although their tournament has been overshadowed by Ronaldo's controversial exit from Manchester United.
Ronaldo's outspoken interview last month with Piers Morgan led to United parting ways with their iconic number seven, and many Portugal players have been asked about how the incident has impacted the national team. Now, Ronaldo is under pressure as a result of his performances, with some sections of the Portuguese media calling for him to be dropped vs Switzerland.
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Dias was the latest Portugal player on media duty on Monday, and he hit back when asked about Ronaldo's place in the team, with the wider context of his United exit also a talking point.
And in response, Dias made direct appeal to the media present not to divide the Portugal camp as they look to reach a quarter final this week.
"I actually think you shouldn't ask Ruben Dias that, but you should ask that to Cristiano Ronaldo," Dias said.
"I'd like to take this moment to say, in this tournament the press is supporting us and Ronaldo, so I'd like to make an appeal to the press; as we progress, instead of creating a divide, create unity, then who knows maybe we'll have good strength and positive energy for all involved."
Dias, along with City teammates Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo, is joined by United pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot in the Portugal camp. All five have started in the group stage, although Dias, Bernardo and Fernandes were rested in the defeat to South Korea.
Ronaldo came in for criticism for his reaction after being substituted, with footage appearing to show him criticising manager Fernando Santos - although Ronaldo claimed he was instead reacting to a comment from a Korea player.
Reflecting on the incident, Santos said on Monday: “When the game ended, I went to the flash [interview] and then I went to the press conference. I repeat: on the field, I didn't hear anything, I was very far away and I only heard that he was arguing with the Korean player.
"Have I seen the images later? Yes. Did I like it? No. I really didn't like it at all. But from there, those issues are resolved at home and it's time to think about tomorrow's game, which we are all focused on.”
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