11/14/2022–|Last Updated: 11/14/202221:11 (Makkah Al-Mukarramah)
Veteran Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo made fiery statements in a televised interview in which he attacked his club and manager Eric Ten Hag and complained that he was “betrayed” by attacking the club and manager indifferently, paving the way for his departure after the World Cup in Qatar.
“The Don” rejoined United for a second term at Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021, on a two-year deal, having helped the team win 8 major titles between 2003-09.
The Portuguese star may already have played his last game for United after missing Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham.
A few hours after the game, “The Don” said in an interview with reporter Piers Morgan on “Tok TV” on Sunday, “I feel betrayed and that there are people who don’t want my presence here, not just this year but last year also”.
“I feel betrayed.” Cristiano Ronaldo.@PiersUncensored 🚨🎥⤵️ pic.twitter.com/VJ2FO84SVA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 13, 2022
Ronaldo added: “Not only the coach, but two or three people in the club wanted me to leave.”
Last month, Ronaldo declined to feature as a substitute against Tottenham and entered the tunnel minutes before the end of the match after coming off the bench.
The player was not included in the squad that faced Chelsea the following Saturday.
“I feel betrayed”.
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels pressured to leave Manchester United in explosive interview.
90 minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on TalkTV.@Christian | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/nqp4mcXHB0
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
Ronaldo: I don’t respect him because he didn’t respect me
Regarding his relationship with manager Ten Hag, Ronaldo said: “I don’t respect him because he didn’t respect me.”
Ronaldo, who will lead Portugal to the World Cup next week, said he found “no sympathy” and the club questioned him during his daughter’s illness last July, adding he was unable to join the squad during the pre-season period because he wanted to be next to her.
Reuters were unable to get immediate comment from United.
No evolution
The former Real Madrid top scorer has lamented ‘United have made no progress’ since manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Ronaldo played under Ferguson during his first spell.
He explained: “Zero development since Sir Alex’s departure, I haven’t found any progress at the club and nothing has changed. He (Ferguson) knows more than anyone that the club is not in the position it deserves. He knows that and so does everyone who doesn’t he sees it, or doesn’t want to see it, or they are blind.
“I haven’t seen any evolution at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, progress has been zero.”
Don’t miss Piers Morgan’s 90 minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on TalkTV.@Christian | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/VextyEu7f9
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
Ronaldo also criticized the club’s decision last season to replace former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Ralph Rangnick.
Rangnick has left his position as director of sport and development at Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, to move to Manchester.
Ronaldo said: “After the club sacked Solchar, they brought in a sporting director, Ralph Rangnick, and nobody understood him. This person isn’t even a manager. A big club like Manchester United brings in a sporting director. This is not only surprised me, but surprised the whole world”.
He added: “I think the fans know the truth, I want the best for the club, and that’s why I came to Manchester United.”
And the Portuguese star continued: “But there are some things inside that don’t help us reach the level of City, Liverpool or Arsenal now. A club of this size should be at the top in my opinion.”
Manchester United’s response to Ronaldo
On the other hand, Manchester United said it would respond to Ronaldo’s statements after assessing all the facts, and the club said in a statement: “Manchester United has followed up on media coverage regarding an interview conducted by Cristiano Ronaldo. He will study. “
The club responds to these statements after thoroughly evaluating all the facts.”
He added: “Our focus now is still focused on preparing for the second half of the season and working to improve cooperation between the players, the coach, the coaching staff and the fans.”
