KEY POINTS

  • Cristiano Ronaldo is the captain of Portugal national soccer team
  • Portugal are yet to win the World Cup
  • Their opening game is against Ghana

Cristiano Ronaldo had an awkward meeting with his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes in Portugal's dressing room ahead of Qatar World Cup.

The incident happened a day after Ronaldo's bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, where the Portuguese skipper expressed his frustration with Manchester United management, saying he felt betrayed by the club. He also lashed out at boss Erik ten Hag, saying he did not respect the Dutchman.

The cold meeting between Ronaldo and Fernandes was clearly visible in a video posted by Portugal's national soccer team on Twitter. When Fernandes entered the dressing room, he first walked past Ronaldo by just placing his hand on the latter's arm.

When the five-time Ballon d'Or winner extended his other hand for a handshake, Fernandes reciprocated with a brief shake, without much eye contact, and immediately made his way to the opposite side of the room to greet other teammates.

Portugal are yet to win the World Cup. They will begin their World Cup campaign on Nov. 24 against Ghana. Other than Ghana, Portugal have Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.

Fernandes, Manchester United's stand-in captain, has always backed his compatriot Ronaldo. However, that seems to have changed after Ronaldo's latest interview.

Wake-up call: Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Wake-up call: Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes AFP / Oli SCARFF

Speaking about Ten Hag, Ronaldo, being as blunt as ever, said he does not respect the Dutch boss.

"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never going to have respect for you," the 37-year-old said in the interview.

Ronaldo, who was heavily linked with a move away from the Red Devils last summer, has now accused Manchester United boss Ten Hag and a few others of trying to force him out of the club.

When Morgan asked Ronaldo if Manchester United hierarchy was trying to force him out of the club, the Portuguese player replied, "Yes, not only the coach [Erik ten Hag] but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too."

The former Juventus forward returned to Manchester United for a second stint last summer. He has scored three goals and assisted two in 16 games for the club in all competitions in the ongoing campaign. Out of his 12 appearances in the Premier League, Ronaldo has started only in four.