CRISTIANO RONALDO LOSES HIS COOL DURING TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE - 'LOOK ME IN EYES'

Portugal are chasing a 1-0 deficit in their Nations League quarter-final second leg against Denmark on Sunday and Cristiano Ronaldo gave a frosty response to what he felt was "disrespectful" question at the pre-match press conference

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo snapped at a reporter for asking "disrespectful" questions ahead of their clash against Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at journalists for asking "disrespectful" questions ahead of Portugal's Nations League quarter-final second leg against Denmark on Sunday". Portugal were beaten 1-0 by the Danes in the first leg of their tie last week, courtesy of Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund's strike, and Ronaldo's team have work to do in the second leg.

Ronaldo himself has come under intense scrutiny for the national team amid questions over his age and fitness levels after a horror display against Denmark saw him fail to register a shot on target or complete a successful dribble or cross.

Journalists who gathered ahead of the second leg questioned the Al Nassr forward's ability to complete a full match at the highest level after recently turning 40.

The former Manchester United star was far from pleased with the line of questioning and accused some reporters of a lack of respect, telling one to "look him in the eyes" when he asked such questions.

"I feel like there's a lot of negativity around the national team,' the Portugal captain said. "I've watched some of the press conferences over the last few days - I didn't like what I saw, I don't like it.

"And honestly, some of the questions you've asked were just disrespectful. If you want answers from me, look me in the eyes when you ask. There's no point asking me something and then looking down at your computer. You'll have time for that later. If necessary, I will say it ten times."

Ronaldo is the most iconic figure to have represented Portugal after smashing a host of records and landmarks with the national team. He has the most caps with 218 and the most goals with 135 - while he is also their oldest goalscorer and holds the record for most hat-tricks and most goals scored at one European Championship. He has already helped Portugal win one Euros and one Nations League title.

He admitted there was big pressure on Portugal to progress to the semi-finals as they chase a 1-0 deficit as he called on the fans to get behind the team.

"The air is more tense,' he said. "I won't hide it. We are in a more tense moment because we need to win, but that's the beauty of football. Tomorrow, I appeal to the fans to be with us.

"To transmit their strength to us, because we are going to try to do our best. That is my hope, that tomorrow will be a beautiful day for everyone.

"There is no other option. Anyone who is proud to represent this symbol must have this ambition. I have lost games in 90 minutes, but I have never lost in the first half. Tomorrow is the second half.

"There are games like that, there are bad days. I didn't play at all, the team didn't play at all, but it's part of life. Tomorrow I want to leave the Alvalade Stadium with my head held high. If all the Portuguese people are on our side."

- Oli Gamp