Bruno Fernandes has said that it was "a dream come true" to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
During an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was heavily critical of the Red Devils, including current first-team boss Erik ten Hag, and the club's owners.
The 37-year-old has now been released by Man United, with the discussion on TalkTV playing a major role in the forward leaving Old Trafford before the end of his contract.
Ronaldo is now searching for a new club, although his current focus will be on the 2022 World Cup, with Portugal set to begin their campaign against Ghana on Thursday.
Fernandes will play alongside Ronaldo for the national side in Qatar, and the attacker has now opened up on the exit of his former club teammate.
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The 28-year-old has said that it was "a dream" to play alongside the forward at Old Trafford, but he is currently focusing on helping his country at the World Cup.
"It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that," Fernandes told reporters.
"I haven't discussed the topic with Cris. We're all focused on the national team and the World Cup. I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
"We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn't tell me about his decision. It's a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven't talked about it. Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup.
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"I'm not in the least worried about the club's future or the club's decisions. My focus is here, on the World Cup, and I want to do my best to represent my country."
Both Ronaldo and Fernandes are expected to be in the Portugal side against Ghana on Thursday, with Fernando Santos's side looking to make the perfect start to their campaign.
Following the World Cup, Fernandes will head back to Man United, with the attacker currently wearing the captain's armband at Old Trafford due to Harry Maguire's absence from the starting XI.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, will be seeking a new club, with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon said to be among the teams in the running for his signature.
As well as Ghana, Portugal will take on Uruguay and South Korea in the group stage of the World Cup, with their final two games in the section scheduled for November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Matt Law
