Lille defender José Fonte has issued a statement to clarify statements made to the BBC where h suggested Portugal plays better without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fonte appeared to be critical of the former Manchester United striker's presence within the Portugal XI.

The former Southampton captain said:

"Good evening,

"I hereby come to clarify and put an end to my statements to the BBC after the excellent performance that our National Team had in the last game, against Switzerland. In a simple way, because football is simple, which I mentioned the beauty and the pleasure I felt in seeing the national team play and... I didn't say that the national team plays better without Ronaldo. I said, yes, that Portugal plays differently. With the presence of someone like Ronaldo on the pitch, naturally, genuinely, unconsciously, we try (in my opinion) to play with him as much as possible, for who he is, for everything he has done, for everything he has given us and will continue to give.

"At no time did I underestimate or relativize Cristiano or any of my teammates from the national team. On the contrary, I refer that he is the best ever, in this interview.

"I simply explained that the team without Cristiano, for me, is a team with a different style of play (any team would be), it reacts differently, it has to be more fluent, because we don't have the reference that is Cristiano.

"With this, I hope to have clarified any noise about my statements, which were never derogatory, where I reinforce that I am Portuguese, I am Portugal, and one more rooting for the success of our selection, until the World Cup is won."