Joao Cancelo seems fully focused on preparing for the World Cup despite team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly trying to lighten the mood.
In a short clip that has surfaced online, the Manchester City full-back was seen looking serious during a training session when Man United star Ronaldo arrived.
What’s going on here between Cristiano Ronaldo and João Cancelo? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/KG6BrKbvxF
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 15, 2022
Cancelo appeared to fend off Ronaldo during Portugal training on Tuesday
What’s going on here between Cristiano Ronaldo and João Cancelo? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/KG6BrKbvxF
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 15, 2022
City full-back Cancelo didn’t want to hear what Ronaldo had to say
Ronaldo could be seen heading towards the Citizens defender where he jokingly grabbed him around the neck.
Clearly in good spirits despite his explosive interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo then put both hands on Cancelo’s head where he sought to crack a few jokes.
But an agitated Cancelo was in no mood to hear what his compatriot had to say, as he seemed to push him away, shaking his head.
Realizing his friend wasn’t ready to play the ball, Ronaldo walked away with a smile on his face.
The incident comes just a day after Ronaldo’s Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes reluctantly shook his hand after the couple met in the dressing room.
Ronaldo held out his hand to Fernandes, who shyly shook it, before hastily turning away to greet his other teammates.
The video went viral as it was their first meeting since Ronaldo’s revealing interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized the current state of United.
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo was absent from Sunday’s 2-1 win at Fulham, where Fernandes played all 90 minutes.
But Benfica midfielder Joao Mario explained the context behind the dressing room clip, insisting it was “just a joke” as Fernandes was the last to arrive.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mario said: “I was in the dressing room at the time, I saw pictures.
“It was a joke between them because Bruno was one of the last to arrive and Cristiano asked if he had come by boat.
“It was a joke between them, they play together.”
Ronaldo’s interview caused an outcry, with talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan joking that he would end up in I’m A Celebrity alongside disgraced politician Matt Hancock.
Although the player, who hit former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, was defended by Graeme Souness.
Souness said: “I choose to believe Ronaldo was mistreated here. I think he was told a story and the manager didn’t keep it.
“He’s not bringing him against Manchester City out of respect. A few weeks later he wanted him to face Tottenham with three minutes remaining, what can he do there?
“Then he makes him captain, and that for me, looking at him from the outside, I think the player has a grievance, and I think he’s entitled to his grievance.”
Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo’, 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and on Talk.TV.
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