NO STORM IN A PORT

OUTSPOKEN Cristiano Ronaldo has the backing of his Portugal pals — despite his problems at Manchester United.

United have begun the process of terminating his contract after he trashed the club and said he had no respect for boss Erik ten Hag in a TV interview.

The fallout looked to have caused issues with Ronaldo’s Portugal teammates, too, with TV cameras capturing what appeared to be tense exchanges between him and Bruno Fernandes, as well as Joao Cancelo.

But Ronaldo dismissed suggestions of a rift with Fernandes and Man City ace Cancelo, claiming they have no problem with him.

“The atmosphere is excellent,” said Ronaldo. “There are no problems, we are completely focused.You can help by not talking about me. I’m completely bulletproof and iron-clad.

Great

“The group is very bonded together. I have no doubts about this recent episode. It won’t shape the team.”

On what appeared a frosty exchange with Fernandes, Ronaldo added: “We were just playing around — we have a great relationship. His plane was late and I asked him, ‘Did you come by boat?’ I was goofing around.

“It was the same with Joao. He was sad during practice, so I said, ‘Wake up, come on, you’ve got this’.”

Ronaldo was asked about the reaction to his interview and claimed he does not care what others think about him going public and speaking his mind.

He said: “I don’t have to worry about what others think. I talk when I want to. Everybody knows who I am, what I believe in. Those within the Portugal set-up have known me since I was 11. Sometimes I deal with it well, sometimes not so well. I’m not perfect.”

Asked if these finals would decide the debate about who is the GOAT — him or Lionel Messi — Ronaldo added:“Even if I win the World Cup, that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life; some like blondes, some like brunettes.”