"The United fans treat me more fondly than supporters in Portugal, where I only played a handful of matches as first choice for Sporting," said the Old Trafford star, who will link up with Real Madrid's Figo as the hosts take on Russia, Greece and rivals Spain in Group A.
"In England the public are more emotionally involved in the game. There is more of a sense that football is a show and a spectacle than at home where there is less noise.
"The coach might have hinted he thought I was more interested in my Manchester United career than in the national team, causing a certain amount of controversy. But he never told me so personally, and I think it was a matter of people making too much of it.
"The truth is, I have more responsibility in the national team because I am a United player. There's always been an extra burden on internationals from big clubs and fans demand more of me."
And on his play:
"The coach might have hinted he thought I was more interested in my Manchester United career than in the national team, causing a certain amount of controversy. But he never told me so personally, and I think it was a matter of people making too much of it. The truth is, I have more responsibility in the national team because I am a United player. There's always been an extra burden on internationals from big clubs and fans demand more of me."