The Portuguese FA are protecting Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo from media interest surrounding his link with Real Madrid.

Madrid journalists have been hijacking media conferences over the past week involving Ronaldo, pumping the United star for information over his interest in moving to Real.

However, Portuguese officials have put their foot down and are now blocking all questions about Real directed to Ronaldo.

However, the United star's Portugal teammate, Pepe, was yesterday again asked about the prospect of having Ronaldo at Real next season: "Cristiano is the best in the world. The interest of Madrid will not affect performance."