Bernardo Silva insists there is no ‘strange atmosphere’ between Manchester United teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in the Portugal camp.
Ronaldo’s time at United seems destined to come to an end with United considering taking legal action against the striker following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
Erik ten Hag has already told the United hierarchy that Ronaldo cannot play for the club again with the playing squad said to been ‘extremely disappointed’ to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner take aim at the manager, club legends Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney and young members of the squad.
Ronaldo and United teammate Fernandes are currently preparing for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday along with Manchester City star Bernardo.
And while stories over Ronaldo’s future continue to dominate the agenda, he insists it is not a distraction for Fernando Santos’ side.
‘The news that comes from England has nothing to do with the national team so I won’t say anything,’ Bernardo said.
‘It doesn’t concern me, it concerns Cristiano. I don’t have to comment. It’s a matter for Cristiano, I’m not a Manchester United player and even if I was I would not answer that because we’re in the national team so I’m not going to talk about it.
He added: ‘I don’t see any strange atmosphere in our national team between Cristiano or Bruno. ‘Once again I say that it’s his issue, I don’t even play for this club. An issue that has to be resolved with the right person.
‘It’s a situation with the club. I see him motivated and focused on the national team like all of us. It’s one more thing to help our country, it’s an individual matter.’
Fernandes was involved in a seemingly awkward exchange with Ronaldo after arriving at the Portugal camp on Monday, greeting his teammate with what appeared to be a frosty reception.
The former Sporting CP star later played down the incident as a joke between the two, with Fernandes paying little attention to Ronaldo’s comments heading into the World Cup.
I didn’t read the interview,’ Fernandes told Sky Sports. ‘As I said before, now it’s the national team.
‘It’s Portugal. The coach made a point that it’s us. He made that point since I came to the national team in 2017.
‘That is still clear. In his mind, the main thing is national team. We have to be focused on the World Cup.
‘Cristiano has done really well to play at five World Cups – this will be his fifth time. Everyone is ready for that and everyone wants the best for the team.’
MORE : John Barnes defends Man Utd youngsters after Cristiano Ronaldo lashed out at them
MORE : Gary Neville reacts to speculation Man Utd are preparing to sack Cristiano Ronaldo
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