FIFA World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo is in spectacular shape, says Portugal’s Ruben Neves

Portugal’s midfielder Ruben Neves has revealed that the team’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo is in spectacular shape. Ronaldo hasn’t had enough game time under his belt in recent times as he was mostly benched by Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag.

Ronaldo had missed the pre-season due to personal reasons and the Dutchman had revealed that the Portuguese striker is not at the top of his fitness.

“From what I have seen in training, he is in spectacular shape,” Neves said in a press conference on Sunday. “He does not worry us at all, we as a team know perfectly well what we need to work on so that each individual stands out on gameday. If we are good as a team, Cristiano will be phenomenal.”

On the other hand, Ronaldo recently grabbed the headlines when he said that Manchester United betrayed him and he has no respect for the manager, Erik Ten Hag as he doesn’t respect him back. However, Neves added that Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan has no impact on Portugal’s dressing room.

“Sure, it is impossible for us to walk around without been asked about the controversy, but I don’t think there is any controversy at all between us in the changing room,” Neves said. “We have a spectacular environment right here.”

Meanwhile, earlier Ronaldo had expressed confidence that Portugal can go all the way in the FIFA World Cup while talking to Piers Morgan.

“I am very optimistic. We have a fantastic coach, we have a good generation of football players. I am looking forward that we are going to an amazing World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “It is gonna be tough. Extremely difficult. But everything is possible, of course, we are gonna compete.”

Portugal will begin their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign against Ghana on 24th November.