Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted to allay any fears about his form and fitness in the build up to the World Cup by asking his critics “haven’t you seen the games”?
Ronaldo was speaking as the Portugal squad left their domestic training base just outside Lisbon this afternoon on their way to the United States, where they open their campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Their two warm-up games brought wins against Chile and Nigeria but also more questions around the role of Ronaldo who failed to score in either before being taken off.
The 41-year-old has come off another goal-laden season for Saudi Arabian champions Al-Nassr and claims he is in peak condition.
Asked how he was feeling ahead of the global showpiece, Ronaldo said: “Physically? I’m fine, haven’t you seen the games?
He added: “We know that the World Cup is always a special competition, just like the European Championship, we go with a lot of hope.”
This is a very good Portugal generation, says Ronaldo
Portugal were placed in Group K, that also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia, and are fancied by many to go all the way.
Ronaldo stopped short of making any predictions but admitted the country have a strong squad.
“This is a very good generation, but there are factors that we cannot control,” he said. “Winning, or not winning, is the most important thing. I believe it is a squad that will give a lot of joy to the Portuguese.”
Portugal are one of the last teams to travel to the US and Ronaldo said they have been working hard behind the scenes in preparation.
“It has been tiring, because we worked hard,” he said. “In the [warm-up] games we managed to get victories but the most important thing is when the ball starts to roll on the 17th, in the first game, and then when things start to tighten up we will see the real champions.
“It will depend on many factors, but I am very positive that things will go well. The important thing is to qualify first in the group, then it’s game by game, step by step, calmly, gaining confidence and getting into rhythm.”
