2022 World Cup: Portugal will be ready for Ghana game despite Ronaldo’s issues – Andre Ayew

Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew says he has no doubt the Portuguese national team will be ready for the clash against Ghana on Thursday despite the happenings around Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following his explosive interview where he criticised officials and the manager of Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday confirmed that he has parted ways with the club by mutual consent.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Andre Ayew said Ghana won’t allow the happenings in the Portugal team to affect the national team.

He said he expects the Portugal players to be ready for the Group H opener tomorrow despite what has happened in the last 48 hours.

"It is not our problem what is happening within the Portuguese team. They are all great professionals playing at top teams and they will be ready for the World Cup, whatever else is happening,” Andre Ayew said at the press conference.

While Andre Ayew admits that Ghana are the underdogs ahead of the Portugal game, he has assured that the Black Stars will put on a good fight for the country.

"We go into this game with Portugal favourites on paper. But we have to show that it is more important what happens on the pitch. We are playing a big side with top players, but we believe in ourselves and will make it very difficult for them," Andre Ayew stressed.

Tomorrow’s game between Ghana and Portugal will kick off at 16:00gmt.