In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan last month, Ronaldo also claimed he has been betrayed at United, adding that he refused to come on as a substitute in the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur because he felt ‘provoked’ by Ten Hag .
Following the interview, United announced that the Portuguese international, who returned to the club in August 2021 having won eight major trophies in his first spell with the club from 2003 to 2009, would be leaving the club with immediate effect.
Ten Hag told British media: “He wanted to leave, that was very clear, and for sure, when a player doesn’t want to be at this club he has to leave, the interview was the first time he said he wanted to leave, I think cannot be accepted from the club’s point of view.
And he continued: “There will be consequences. When this step was taken, he knew the consequences. Before that (he never told me), in the summer we talked once, he came up to me and said: ‘I’ll tell you after seven days to find out if I want to stay'”. Then he came back and said, ‘I want to stay.'”
Prior to the interview with Talk TV, Ten Hag said on multiple occasions that Ronaldo was part of his plans this season, as the Dutch coach confirmed he wanted the Portuguese striker to stay at United.
Ten Hag added: “I love working with world class players, I know they can make a difference and help you achieve your goals. I want him to stay from the first moment until now. I have done everything to bring him into the team because I appreciate his potential”.
He concluded: “We wanted him to be part of our project and contribute to Manchester United’s efforts because he’s a great player and has a great history.”
