And there was intrigue surrounding a seemingly frosty reception Ronaldo got from Bruno Fernandes, his United teammate, when they met up for the first time at Portugal's pre-World Cup training camp in Lisbon.That was also played down by Ronaldo.
"I simply made a joke with him because he arrived late due to his flight," he said, "and I asked if he had come by boat. It was a joke and you (the media) did a storm."
"Everything around Cristiano is always a reason for debate and talks," Ronaldo added. "We see it on the TV news. It's normal. I understand it. But I will repeat once again: the environment at the national team is excellent."
This is likely the 37-year-old Ronaldo's last chance to win the World Cup, the only major title missing from the bulging resume of one of the world's greatest ever players.
So, is he feeling the pressure in Qatar?
"The pressure is more or less the same as always," he said. "I have been dealing with it since a very young age. Sometimes I do it well, sometimes I don't. It depends on the situation, moment and heat. I am not perfect, but I feel ready to take on the pressure when I have to."
The fortunes of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long been intertwined and the Argentina star is in a similar position to his great rival as this will also probably be his last World Cup.
The two soccer greats created waves on social media by both posting a photo on social media of them engaging in a game of chess on top of a Louis Vuitton briefcase.
So, a Portugal vs. Argentina final, anyone?
"Being honest, I would like to be the one to give a checkmate against him," Ronaldo said of Messi. "Let's see. It would be beautiful. As it happened in chess, it would be magic to happen in football as well."
Portugal's first group game is against Ghana on Thursday.