PSG star Danilo insists Portugal don’t ‘play for Ronaldo’ despite ‘demands’ of superstar forward

Danilo brushes off Ronaldo noise’Natural’ that focus is on 37-year-oldNot concerned with style of play

WHAT HAPPENED? As domestic football came to a halt for the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo again stole headlines for delivering a damning assessment of Manchester United in a new interview. But his national team colleague Danilo has played down his role in the Portugal setup, insisting that the team operates as a whole, even with the 37-year-old’s high demands.

WHAT HE SAID: Speaking to FIFA’s official website, Danilo explained: “There will always be criticism because Cristiano is a player who sells a lot, he is a player who is talked about every day. If he’s bad, people will talk. If he’s okay, people will talk. So, we within the group see this naturally.

It’s normal for Cristiano, being the strongest point of the national team, to have more spotlight on him, we’re going to throw more balls at him, we’re going to try to get him to score goals and he will also demand that.” He added: “It’s natural that there is this conversation because people think we play for Cristiano, but that’s not the case. We play to win games.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite their Nations League triumph in 2019, much has been expected of Fernando Santos’ latest batch of talented Portugal players, but little has been delivered. Ronaldo is desperate to win another major honour with his nation following the European Championship success of 2016, which many believe is becoming detrimental to the team’s performances – much like the criticism he’s faced at United.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL? Danilo, Ronaldo and the rest of the Portugal team kick off their tournament against Ghana on 24 November and will be expecting to comfortably escape Group H.

Related Post
Share
Published by
Superadmin2015

Recent Posts

‘I gave it my all, I have no regrets’ – Ugo Humbert after Paris Masters loss

Ugo Humbert was proud of himself after suffering a straight-set loss against Alexander Zverev in… Read More

November 4, 2024

JJ Redick says Lakers first half vs. Raptors was ‘best half’ of season

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick tipped his team’s first half against the Toronto… Read More

November 4, 2024

Bruno Fernandes apologised to Erik ten Hag after Man United sack

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he apologised to Erik Ten Hag after the… Read More

November 4, 2024

Malvika Bansod Finishes Runner-Up at Hylo Open 2024, Falling to Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt in Finals

India’s Malvika Bansod concluded an impressive campaign at the Hylo Open 2024 badminton tournament with… Read More

November 4, 2024

Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement, Set to Bid Farewell After Final Ranji Trophy Season

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at… Read More

November 4, 2024

Ajaraie’s Brace and Fernandez’s Late Strike Lead NorthEast United to 3-2 Victory Over Odisha FC

In a nail-biting Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Sunday, NorthEast United FC emerged victorious… Read More

November 4, 2024