Bruno Fernandes Asks Critics To Keep Slamming Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I Pray You Keep Doing That'

Bruno Fernandes hopes there will be more criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo because it gets the best out of the Portuguese forward.

Ronaldo, who became the first player to score in five World Cups with a penalty in Portugal's 3-2 win against Ghana on Thursday, came under intense criticism after his latest bombshell interview.

Ronaldo told Piers Morgan he "did no respect" Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and also slammed the Old Trafford club. Following this, Manchester United announced the club had parted ways with Ronaldo on mutual consent. This means the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be able to join any club on a free transfer when the winter window opens in January.

In Portugal's campaign opener Thursday, Ronaldo put his side 1-0 up in the 65th minute with a successful penalty. Referring to this, Fernandes, who is still a key member of Manchester United, suggested the Portuguese skipper has the ability to thrive under pressure.

"I think he likes to work under that criticism from everyone, so I pray all of you to keep doing that because he gets the best of himself when you guys do that. It was a dream come true to play with him in the national team and in the club also, and that is something amazing," Fernandes told reporters. "I still share the space with him in the national team and the main thing for me is that Portugal does the best we can in the tournament because if we do it, Cristiano will be happy, I will be happy and everyone in Portugal will be happy for us."

By helping Portugal win their first game in Group H, Ronaldo said the victory brought an end to his controversial chapter with Manchester United.

"It was a week that finishes the chapter, it's closed. We won and I could help the team - the rest does not matter. This was a beautiful moment, my fifth World Cup. We won, we started on our good foot and it is a very important win. The first match is crucial in these tournaments," Ronaldo said after the game.

Ronaldo, who has won the European Competition and UEFA Nations League with Portugal, is aiming to help his country win their maiden World Cup title.

Portugal's next fixture is a big one as they take on two-time champions Uruguay on Nov. 28.