Cristiano Ronaldo's Teammate Reveals What Was Said Between Superstar and Bruno Fernandes in Awkward Exchange

• Joao Mario has come out to deny claims that there is a rift between Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
• A curious video emerged on Tuesday showing what looked like a frosty handshake between the two Manchester United men
• But Benfica midfielder Mario maintains all is well in the Portugal camp ahead of the World Cup

Benfica midfielder Joao Mario has strongly refuted claims of a rift between Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.

The midfielder was quick to defuse any further reports after a video went viral on Tuesday, November 15, apparently showing Fernandes disapproving of his club teammate.

Fernandes met up with Ronaldo shortly after the former Real Madrid man’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan dropped on Monday.

In the interview, Ronaldo all but severed his relationship with United as he slammed a number of elements of the club, including manager Erik ten Hag.

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Both Ronaldo and Fernandes made the trip back to Portugal recently, where they continue their training in Oeiras before heading to Qatar later in the week.

In their first encounter captured on video, Ronaldo stretched out a hand to Fernandes, but the midfielder initially seemed to have ignored it before eventually shaking it and walking away.

Joao Mario’s explanation

As reported by Daily Mail, Mario appeared at a press conference on Tuesday where he shed more light on what transpired.

According to the midfielder, Ronaldo was joking with Fernandes for arriving late to training.

"I was there and saw everything, it was a funny moment that was misinterpreted on the outside," he said as quoted by the BBC.

Mario said that Fernandes was one of the last to arrive, to which Ronaldo jokingly asked if he had travelled by boat.

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"I understand that the images can be interpreted in many ways, but it was a joke between them. There is no problem between them."

Ten Hag's stance on Ronaldo

Sports Brief also earlier reported on Erik ten Hag's stance on Cristiano Ronaldo's bombshell interview.

According to the reports, ten Hag held a meeting on Monday with senior figures at the club, including co-chairman Joel Glazer, chief executive Richard Arnold, and football director John Murtough.

Ten Hag reportedly feels Ronaldo has gone too far with his criticism of the club, and he is not willing to keep the forward at the expense of the unity at the Red Devils.