Cristiano Ronaldo DENIES there is a rift with Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed rumors of an argument between him and Bruno Fernandes after a seemingly tense conversation, explaining that the pair shared a joke.

The Portuguese striker sparked controversy last week in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan that heavily criticized Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, but his teammates have insisted it will not affect them at the World Cup.

When asked about an awkward exchange between him and his United teammate Fernandes that took place shortly after the interview, Ronaldo explained that the pair had shared a joke: “His plane was late. I asked him if he had come by boat.’

Cristiano Ronaldo shared a seemingly frosty conversation with Bruno Fernandes last week

The pair have since claimed that the conversation was much warmer than it seemed

Fernandes has also suggested that their interaction was much warmer than it seemed.

During his controversial interview, Ronaldo told an impromptu press conference: “Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry about what others think. I talk when I want. Everyone knows who I am and what I believe in.’

He also urged reporters to focus on Qatar football, saying: “Please don’t ask the players about me. Ask about the World Cup. I’m bulletproof and very strong.’

Fernandes said it was vital for Portugal’s players to ‘stay focused on the World Cup’

Fernandes shared a similar attitude in brushing off distractions while the World Cup is underway. He told Celestial Sports: ‘I haven’t read [Ronaldo’s] interview, so I agree. Now it’s the national team, it’s Portugal.

“We have to be focused on the World Cup, because a World Cup doesn’t come every time. You don’t often get the chance to play a World Cup.’

“This is the national team, Manchester United will be my focus after the World Cup.”