Cristiano Ronaldo will put speculation over his club future firmly to one side as he leads European champions Portugal into their Confederations Cup opener against Mexico in Kazan on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Real Madrid superstar’s build-up to the tournament in Russia has been overshadowed after he was this week accused by prosecutors in Spain of defrauding the authorities of 14.7 million euros ($16.5m) in tax through offshore companies.
But for the next two weeks the main thing on the mind of the reigning Ballon d’Or holder is winning more silverware in the eight-nation World Cup warm-up event. More glory in Russia will end any doubt about him winning a fifth Ballon d’Or.
Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016 secured them a place in Russia, where they will be making their Confederations Cup debut against CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico on Sunday; in Group A before facing the hosts and New Zealand.
Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in six international outings since coming off injured in the Euro final, but Mexico — winners of the Confederations Cup in 1999 — are confident they can stop him.
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