Bernardo Silva: Portugal need Ronaldo for World Cup success

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s club future is in doubt following his criticism of Manchester United, his compatriot Bernardo Silva says his nation “needs him” if they are to conquer the world.

The 37-year-old Ronaldo will captain Portugal at the World Cup amid a storm arising from his claims in a televised interview that he feels “betrayed” by United, that he is being forced out of the club, and he has no “respect” for coach Erik Ten Hag.

Ronaldo has won every major trophy except for the World Cup and, if this is to be the swansong of his international career, then he will be determined to bow out on a high note in Qatar.

Manchester City’s midfielder Bernardo, 28, has often admitted the striker, who has scored a record 117 goals in 191 appearances for Portugal and led them to European Championship glory in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019, is among football’s all-time greats.

And he is hoping five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo can provide further inspiration to claim the coveted global honor in the Gulf state. “It’s amazing he is still doing what he’s been doing all these years,” said Bernardo, who spoke exclusively to Arab News before the revelations of Ronaldo’s television interview.

“He’s been there for a long time and he keeps going. He’s still a great striker, in terms of when he touches the ball in the box, he is always a danger. The finishing is still there, he’s our captain and one player … that we think will be able to help us.

“We’re happy to see him play again because we need him in … good shape and we are going to try to win this World Cup together. We want to do it together, not just him, but the whole team. We are aiming to try to win it. We go there to win.”

Ronaldo has previously suggested he