Cristiano Ronaldos bombshell interview with Piers Morgan has stolen the limelight ahead of the World Cup in Qatar as Portugal prepare to get their campaign under way on Thursday

Bernardo Silva says Cristiano Ronaldos controversial interview has not affected Portugals World Cup build-up.

Ronaldo is set to be sacked byManchester United, following his bombshell interview in which he trashed the club and said he had no respect for boss Erik ten Hag. ButManchester Citymidfielder Bernardo insisted the controversy surrounding Ronaldo had not been a distraction to Portugals players ahead of the tournament.

The news that comes from England has nothing to do with the national team, so I wont say anything. It doesnt concern me, it concerns Cristiano, said Bernardo. I dont have to comment.

Its a matter for Cristiano, Im not a Manchester United player and even if I was I would not answer that, because were in the national team so Im not going to talk about it.

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Asked about what seemed to be a tense exchange between Ronaldo andBruno Fernandeswhen the Portugal squad met up, Bernardo said: I dont see any weird environment between Cristiano and Bruno.

Its something that belongs to Cristiano. Its a personal matter and I dont see a big deal out of it. Theres no weird environment. Its a shame weve only been talking about this when we have a World Cup to play. I dont see a big issue.

Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign against Ghana on Thursday after winning a warm-up friendly against Nigeria 4-0 this past week, though Ronaldo was absent due to a stomach bug. On the same night, the second part of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan aired on Talk TV, where he discussed whether he would still be at United following the tournament in Qatar.

Who will win the World Cup? Have your sayin the comments below.

Its difficult to tell right now, its because, we, my mood is right now to The World Cup, Ronaldo said. Its probably my last World Cup, of course, my fifth World Cup.

I dont know whats gonna happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before, and I will say again, the fans will be always in my heart. And I hope they [will be] on my side, even if I back, or if Im not back, or if I stay or whatever.

Nobodys perfect. Episodes in the life we all have is part of the human beings, is part of me to be a human being and father as well. I always will commit mistakes.

But I dont know, its hard to tell right now whats going to happen to World Cup because my focus is for the World Cup, for the Portugal national team.

Giving his thoughts on the potential winners, he named Brazil, Argentina, Spain and France as the main contenders, but also believes Portugal and England have a chance. Assessing Portugals bid, he said: I am very optimistic. We have a fantastic coach, we have a good generation of football players.

Im looking forward that were going to it an amazing World Cup [Its] gonna be tough. Extremely difficult. But everything is possible. But of course were gonna compete.

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