New Delhi: Despite the controversial interview of Cristiano Ronaldo in England, his fellow player Bernardo Silva asserted the atmosphere around Portugal's World Cup camp was "top, top, top. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo had criticized his club Manchester United and coach Erik ten Hag earlier this week when talking to TalkTV.
Silva’s press conference was full of questions about Ronaldo and he was not up to respond in detail. "The news from England has nothing to do with the national team," said Silva.
"It also has nothing to do with me, so I won't comment. I'm not a Manchester United player, even if I were, I wouldn't answer. They're a rival club, it's nothing to do with me."
"I don't see any strange atmosphere in our team between Cristiano and another player," he said.
"It is his matter that he has to resolve individually with the right person."
"I a motivated and focused Ronaldo, like everyone else, and he is another player here to help our country and the national team.
"There is a lot of talk about this topic, but we have a World Cup to play. I don't understand the persistence because there is nothing there." Portugal performed brilliantly in their 4-1 win over Nigeria in the absence of Ronaldo.
"He's part of the team, obviously, but when he's not there, we know how to respond. Whenever he wasn't there, we responded well. We're ready."
"There are 26 of us, it doesn't matter if it's one person or another (playing)."
Portugal, currently ranked 9th, will be entering the World Cup with a mix of players covering several generations. Portugal's chance of winning the 2022 World Cup title depends on the greatest player the country has ever produced -- 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.