Gary Neville was left shaking his head at Laura Woods after the presenter asked the former Manchester United defender a question about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neville has found himself in the firing line of the Portuguese superstar during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan that led to his departure from United last week.
Ronaldo accused his former teammate of using his name for fame and claimed that the pair are not friends.
As Neville appeared on ITV ahead of the World Cup clash between Brazil and Switzerland, presenter Woods took the perfect opportunity to comment on Neville’s relationship with Ronaldo.
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Woods said: “It’s the first time I’ve spoken to you since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United, has he answered your phone calls?”
Neville smiled as he shook his head, whilst saying: “You’re cheeky you, aren’t you? My phone’s not rung, let alone from Cristiano!”
The former England international then went on to praise the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“He’s unbelievable. He’s responded to the criticism, he doesn’t like what’s happened in Manchester. He’s in his homeland, Portugal adore him, the relationship with his manager is strong,” Neville said.
“I think we need Ronaldo, Messi and Mbappe all coming to head in this tournament because something’s going to have to give at some point. I watched the Portugal game the other day and I thought the balance was awful.
“He had Bruno Fernandes on the right with Cristiano up front. That doesn’t work, we’ve seen that at Manchester United. When Leao came on and Joao Felix played with Carvalho and Bruno moved inside with Silva they looked pretty good and that’s the way forward for Portugal.”
Neville then reiterated that he feels it was the correct decision for Ronaldo to leave United.
He added: “They’re a good team with a man up front with a monster mentality, he’ll think he’s lifting that World Cup and he’ll believe that and that will transmit to the rest of the team. He’s done that in the Champions League with Real Madrid, with Barcelona dominating, he won five Champions Leagues there.
“He delivers in the big moment. Nothing will surprise me but I think it’s right he left United and right United let him go.”
Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups when he netted from the spot during his side’s first match against Ghana.
Up next for Ronaldo and his team will be a tough test against Uruguay.
Topics: Gary Neville, Laura Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Marcus Chan