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Santos: Ronaldo interview not been a distraction

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview has not been a distraction in the changing room as they prepare for a friendly against Nigeria in Lisbon on Thursday, the team's last match before they travel to Qatar for the World Cup. Asked if Ronaldo's comments about his club Manchester United had had an impact on his team as they prepare for the World Cup, Santos said what happened with his highest profile player has nothing to do with the national squad. "The player decided to give an interview as many others have," Santos told a news conference on Wednesday in Lisbon.

Brazil – World Cup Profile

Follow all the action from 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar TM on beIN SPORTS

Brazil's record does not make them favourites, says Rodrygo

Brazil forward Rodrygo said they cannot be considered favourites to win a record-extending sixth World Cup in Qatar just because of their glittering record, but believes they have all the qualities needed to succeed.

Portugal line up Ronaldo, other top players against Nigeria before Ghana clash

Omonia’s Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho (R) shares a joke with Manchester United’s Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo (L) during the UEFA Europa League Group E football match between Manchester United and Omonoia Nicosia, at Old Trafford stadium, in Manchester, north-west England, on October 13, 2022. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

'I’d rather you'd be able for a conversation with your son in 20 years’ - Wexford boxer's retirement due to brain condition

Wexford boxer Niall Kennedy has spoken out about how a neurologist's assessment led to his unexpected retirement from the sport, after a professional career that saw him reach the top 30 in the world.

Ronaldo to lead talented Portugal squad in Qatar World Cup

DUBAI: Cristiano Ronaldo will enter his fifth World Cup with a Portugal squad filled with talented players but that will be missing some national team regulars. Ronaldo will team up with Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and João Félix, but among those not included in the list of 26 players selected by coach Fernando Santos on Thursday were João Moutinho, José Fonte and Renato Sanches. Also not going to Qatar is Liverpool’s Diogo Jota because of an injury. Others who made the squad include João Cancelo, Rúben Dias and 39-year-old central defender Pepe. Defender António Silva, who is 19 and received his first call up, also will be going to Qatar. The 37-year-old Ronaldo has been showing signs of a decline for the first time in his career but will still be the leader for a Portugal squad seeking their first World Cup title. After finally earning a major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship, Portugal also added the title of the inaugural edition of the Nations League at home in 2019. But they didn’t make it past the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup or at Euro 2020.

Benfica wonderkids Silva and Ramos make Portugal World Cup squad

:Portugal manager Fernando Santos included uncapped 19-year-old centre back Antonio Silva and 21-year-old striker Goncalo Ramos, the top scorer in the Portuguese top flight, as he named his 26-man squad on Thursday for the World Cup in Qatar.

Ronaldo leads Portugal squad searching for first World Cup

The Manchester United striker, 37, has not been first choice for his club this season but will be part of his country's bid to win the tournament for the first time in their history.

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Santos Sport News

Santos: Ronaldo interview not been a distraction

Brazil – World Cup Profile

Brazil's record does not make them favourites, says Rodrygo

Portugal line up Ronaldo, other top players against Nigeria before Ghana clash

'I’d rather you'd be able for a conversation with your son in 20 years’ - Wexford boxer's retirement due to brain condition

Ronaldo to lead talented Portugal squad in Qatar World Cup

Benfica wonderkids Silva and Ramos make Portugal World Cup squad

Ronaldo leads Portugal squad searching for first World Cup