Ruben Neves has tried to play down the media attention around Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational interview with Piers Morgan ahead of Portugal's World Cup campaign.
Ronaldo, 37, has made a string of allegations against his employers Manchester United and criticised several individuals, including Gary Neville, Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick. He even questioned Wayne Rooney's retirement and appearance.
Ronaldo's bombshells were dropped just a week before the opening fixture of the World Cup in Qatar - and he's dominated the headlines since. Many critics believe this has had a detrimental impact on Portugal's preparations, but Neves insists that's not the case.
"There is no controversy inside the changing room," said Neves when asked about Ronaldo's interview. "So it is impossible for us to fear any impact around that controversy as there is no controversy inside the changing room.
"This controversy exists in the media, not in the changing room. It has been all said. We are 100 per cent focused on our World Cup campaign. We have a spectacular environment in the national team. That is our focus."
Some reporters were concerned that there would be some tension in the Portugal camp following Ronaldo's comments. Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes also play for United, with the latter and Ronaldo appearing to have an awkward exchange earlier this week.
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Ronaldo has been one of Portugal's most important players since making his debut 19 years ago, picking up a remarkable 191 senior caps. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored the most goals in men's international football - finding the net 117 times to date.
Ronaldo has led Portugal to unprecedented success, as he was part of the squad that won Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019. The forward also helped Portugal reach the final of Euro 2004 on home soil, where they famously lost to Greece.
On Ronaldo, Neves added: "From what I have been seeing in training, he is in spectacular form. Therefore, this is is not an issue that concerns us at all. We are totally aware that we have to perform as a team in order to get the most of each individual. Cristiano is no different. If we play well, Cristiano will be phenomenal."
Fernandes has also responded to Ronaldo's comments and his frosty handshake with his club and international teammate. He told Sky Sports: "I didn't read the interview so I am ok with that. As I've said before, now is the national team, it's Portugal.
"I said to him, the coach made a point that it's us. He made the point since I came to the national team in 2017. That is still clear in his mind, the main thing here is national team and us so we have to be focused on the World Cup because a World Cup doesn't come every time, you don't have a chance to play in a World Cup many times.
"Cristiano has been lucky to play, did really well to play five times. This will be his fifth time in the World Cup. So everyone is ready for that, everyone wants to give the best for the team."
