In an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he feels "betrayed" by Manchester United and claimed new manager Erik ten Hag tried to force him out of the club this summer. World football has been divided following the Portuguese talisman's shocking claims, with CR7 fans backing the icon while haters are slamming him for putting himself above one of the most iconic clubs in the sport.
In the summer of 2021, when legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United, supporters of one of the greatest clubs in football history were overjoyed by leaps and bounds. There was a sense of belief that the Portuguese talisman, who played for the Red Devils between 2003-2009 and during the Premier League giants' golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, would recreate the magic on his return to the Theatre of Dreams. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner lived up to the expectations of his fans and became the team's leading goalscorer last season with 24 goals across competitions. However, the club failed and was knocked out of the Champions League 2022-23 race. But football lovers would have never imagined what was once a fairy tale dream return would turn into a nightmare, not just for United but for the sport itself.
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The 2022 summer transfer window was hectic for clubs across Europe. Still, Ronaldo's saga grabbed the headlines after the Portuguese superstar expressed his desire to leave United for a shot at Champions League glory in the 2022-23 season. However, the 37-year-old striker failed to find a suitor and was forced to stay back at Old Trafford to play under new manager Erik ten Hag. But things went differently from the script for the club, the Dutchman or the icon himself. Ronaldo did not fit into the former Ajax boss' scheme of things and became a bench warmer for the most extended period in his illustrious career. Tantrums were thrown, walkouts of Old Trafford happened, and football pundits and fans were irked, confused and clueless as to what was transpiring behind the closed doors of the Red Devils.
Months later, Ronaldo finally broke his silence, and the Portuguese superstar made some shocking and some expected claims that have rocked the football world. In excerpts of a 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan published on Sunday night, following United's last game before the Qatar World Cup 2022, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star admitted that he felt 'betrayed' by the club and has 'no respect' for manager Ten Hag. The legendary striker, who has over 700 goals in his club career, also claimed the Dutchman tried to force him to leave Old Trafford this summer and lashed out at those in charge for the team's lack of progress since the departure of iconic boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I don't have respect for him (Ten Hag) because he doesn't show respect for me," Ronaldo told Piers Morgan in his bombshell interview. "If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you," the Portuguese talisman added.
Then, when asked by Morgan whether the club and boss Ten Hag had tried to make him leave this summer, Ronaldo said: "Yes, not only the coach but the other two or three guys - they're around the club."
When pressed further, Ronaldo said: "Yes, I feel betrayed. And I felt that some people, they don't want me here. Not only this year, but last year too."
"I feel betrayed."
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels like he's being forced out of Manchester United in an explosive interview.
90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV. | | | pic.twitter.com/nqp4mcXHB0
The Portuguese superstar was also highly critical of how United is run and how little things had changed at Old Trafford since his first spell at the club.
"I don't know what's going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero. For example we have an interesting point that, how the club as Manchester United after [they] sack Ole, they buy - they bring, Sports Director Ralf Rangnick, which is something that nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach. A bigger club like Manchester United brings [a] Sports Director - surprised not only me but all the world, you know," Ronaldo remarked.
Also read: 'Go Portugal': Ronaldo's inspiring message ahead of Qatar World Cup 2022 wins hearts
"Nothing changed. Surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym… Even some points, the technology, the kitchen, the chefs, which is, I appreciate, lovely persons. They stopped in a time, which surprised me a lot. I thought I will see different things… different, as I mentioned before, technology, and infrastructure. But unfortunately, we see many things that I used to see, when I was 20, 21, 23. So, it surprised me a lot," Ronaldo added.
"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero."
Don't miss Piers Morgan's 90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV. | | | pic.twitter.com/VextyEu7f9
Ronaldo also hit out at former United teammate Wayne Rooney over criticism he had received for refusing to come on during the team's 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last month.
In The Sun newspaper, Morgan revealed Ronaldo said: "I don't know why he criticises me so badly…probably because he finished his career and I'm still playing at a high level. I'm not going to say that I'm looking better than him. Which is true…"
In August, Ronaldo hit out at "lies" that were being reported in the media about his future and vowed to tell "the truth" in an interview. The timing of the bombshell interview implies the 37-year-old legend believes he has played his final game for United. The fate of the Portuguese talisman's future is most likely to be sealed in the January window, with reports stating that the club are disappointed with the striker's comments.
With just under a week left for the Qatar World Cup 2022, Ronaldo's focus would be away from the drama at Old Trafford and instead on clinching his first World Cup glory when Portugal kick-starts their campaign against Ghana on November 24. Other nations in Group H include Uruguay and South Korea. Regardless of how big the tournament would be in the Gulf nation, there's no denying that the sensational striker's future would continue to leave football enthusiasts eager. And the explosive interview has already created a massive buzz.
CR7 fans applaud their G.O.A.T for being frank and open about the situation at United. At the same time, haters have latched on to the opportunity to slam the Portuguese talisman for losing his Midas touch and making him more remarkable than the club itself. Ronaldo's arch-rival Lionel Messi's fans did not sit back and see the drama unfold. They also chose to speak and use the interview as an opportunity to troll one of the greatest footballers of all time.
"With you all the way," said one Ronaldo fan, while another added, "#CR7 We still love you Roro, don't listen to the devil's whisper."
"I understand Ronaldo's frustration with #MUFC struggling to move forward. But taking aim at the new manager is poor. It's been difficult to watch CR7 this season as his a super powers fade away. And the biggest problem is no other club can take his wages for what he now provides," said commentator Gareth Wheeler in support of Ronaldo.
With you all the way. 💪🏿 https://t.co/vEH1UdqO3J
— Paulo (@Kunsapaul)We still love you Roro,don't listen to the devil's whisper 💪 https://t.co/7iSCrnUuJZ
— OCS WA OCHA 🇰🇪 🇿🇦 (@pirate_on_duty)I understand Ronaldo’s frustration with struggling to move forward. But taking aim at the new manager is poor. It’s been difficult to watch CR7 this season as his a super powers fade away. And the biggest problem is no other club can take his wages for what he now provides. https://t.co/tJpqwiHhoO
— Gareth Wheeler (@GarethWheeler)"Brother can't last 30 mins on the pitch, and here he is giving 90 minutes interview," said one user on Twitter. Another hater said, "Time for this guy to go back to the MLS where he will get the massive respect he yearns for plus a good pay cheque. No one is bigger than Man Utd."
Brother can't last 30 mins on the pitch and here he is giving 90 minutes interview https://t.co/LASQwSgWbG
— Magical Xavi 🇦🇷 (@MagicalXavi)Time for this guy to go back to the MLS where he will get the massive respect he yearns for plus a good pay cheque. No one is bigger than Man Utd https://t.co/KxxVGS6Ip6
— Jeff Kinyanjui (@_JeffKinyanjui)"Forget football where Messi is miles clear of Ronaldo, I have never seen Messi doing such kind of interview. The amount of disrespect towards his managers and colleagues is baffling. As they say, money can't buy you class. I'm so glad I decided to idolize the right person," said one fan of the Argentinian legend in response to Ronaldo's interview. Another Messi supporter said, "This is one thing Lonado has over Messi. The way he struggles so hard to be relevant. This season he was carried by that new celebration of his and now he will also ride on this interview."
Forget football where Messi is miles clear of Ronaldo, I have never seen Messi doing such kind of interview.
The amount of disrespect towards his managers and colleagues is baffling. As they say, money can’t buy you class. I’m so glad I decided to idolize the right person. https://t.co/ZqCq7uBrt2
This is one thing Lonado has over Messi. The way he struggles so hard to be relevant. This season he was carried by that new celebration of his and now he will also ride on this interview. 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/73zcCV3lql
— Jordan Tumwesigye (@JTumwesigye)Here's a look at how Ronaldo's bombshell interview has split the world of football into three:
Wanted to leave, no one was prepared to pay the pricks wages so now It’s every man and he’s dogs fault but not nothing to do with him, fucking wet wipe!! https://t.co/WLor8Q13cM
— Craig Thornton 🇺🇦 🇬🇧 (@ThorntonCraig)When u won’t pay him off he’s just raised you ! Q https://t.co/lzbl00b5Zx pic.twitter.com/6NBz3J4Um0
— Dean Gill (@DeanGillTG)Thanks for the memories , now goodbye👋👋👋 and never comeback 🤬 https://t.co/IFpzkrDJwV
— 🔰Arun Mathivanan 🤘 (@Arun_MUFC)Ever since started reacting to every pundit's criticism including 's, I knew it was time for him to leave. Boy, such reactions are puerile to say the least. I hope this interview is not another stunt to distract the team and disrupt what Ten Hag is building. https://t.co/8D5n2zG8ww
— Hassan (@hassan_seun_)I personally think and should part ways ASAP.
Respect is earned and not demanded. you're the one who left the stadium before the final whistle in two occasions, refused to come as a substitute on game.Who is undermining who? https://t.co/TLXl0vwurj
He’s ego can’t be backed up by his performances no more he needs to accept that it can’t be everyone at fault but himself https://t.co/Zh44WUa0yN pic.twitter.com/dFvzCuEzza
— Moses Mukira (@moses_mukira)Before this interview, ronaldo would be leaving in January. After this interview he would still be leaving on January, but without anyone cry about it.
So it’s a good thing, easier to move on. No players bigger than the club. https://t.co/Xrluyum9zk
First time he’s completed 90 minutes this season https://t.co/U7L1qMP6jN
— Z 🔋 (@BarcaMVP)Carrington, Monday: https://t.co/sDAX3r4kvZ pic.twitter.com/TQPGuxszUn
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue)Just like Jose Mourinho, he will be crucified for honesty.That's our beloved Manchester United for you 🚮 Rooney always runs his mouth about Ronaldo and everyone will be laughing but when he responds people can't digest his words.That's double standards. I for one wanted to hear https://t.co/SWD29Jabn2
— 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐰𝐚 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐨 𝐌𝐝𝐥𝐮𝐥𝐢 (@uthabowisdom)Just same online so basically this is my summary of the Ronaldo interview in one pic pic.twitter.com/HBvhkMhvbi
— Delta (@UTD_DELTA)This makes more sense now , before coming out against Cristiano Ronaldo just remember Manchester united went from top 3 clubs in the world to not winning a major trophy in last 7 years. pic.twitter.com/oh6cYkIUQ8
— XxMaverickxX (@Sports8k)This Ronaldo interview is such a disgrace, man. End of the day, it’s the epitome of shooting yourself in the foot. That’s what happens when the ego can’t be backed up, anymore.
— Neal 🇦🇺 (@NealGardner_)The Ronaldo-Morgan interview is sad in so many ways. Someone who had been at the top of their game for so long, now a marginal figure, losing stature, influence and ability to be relevant. Raging at the dying of the light.
And the same goes for .
The Ronaldo interview… pic.twitter.com/w9WaqXMKtV
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty)No ego, no drama, no interview attacking his club or his teammates, nothing like his rival Ronaldo. Full of humility and humbleness.
Just a joy of Football❤️ pic.twitter.com/ke3kI90Oza
A lot of truth in the Ronaldo interview. People don’t like the messenger but the message is clear.
— StatmanBains 🇳🇱 (@StatmanBains)Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview is an embarrassment. Bottom line: he isn’t handling his decline with any grace or dignity. He’s 37 and not as good as he once was. It happens to everyone eventually. But blaming others shows a considerable lack of self-awareness.
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward)Seeing some Man Utd fans say “Messi is the GOAT” after Ronaldo’s interview 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJLWZVWCnS
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐥𝐊 🌴 (@TheMahleek)Ronaldo's done everyone a massive favour with that interview.
Solved the problem of him being in the team & spoken out against the running of the club as it's in the process of being fixed.
He doesn't realise he's a problem himself.
After listening to this interview there’s one thing that is for certain. Cristiano Ronaldo’s home will always be at the Santiago Bernabéu in the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
— RMZZ (@RMBlancoZz)It amazes me how many people don't realise this is Ronaldo's Goodbye Interview. Fallout with Ten Hag, the shambles the way the club is run, his love for the fans. He knows it's over and is clearly going out on his terms. It's over
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge)As disrespectful as some people will find Ronaldo‘s interview it is actually perfect for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United. We play better football without Ronaldo and we need him gone!
— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers)I love Ronaldo. He’s one of my favourite players of all time and I’ve always looked up to him as a player.
This interview on Wednesday will break the internet, literally. I’m SO happy he’s speaking up on everything. It’s about time. 🙌🏼
We’re with you (me at least), Cristiano ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LpBKBHmUSk
Thing is, I think even after Ronaldo's interview the majority probably side with ten Hag and the club over Cristiano and I'm not sure Cristiano realises that.
There's a disconnect in how good Ronaldo thinks he still is and how good the club and many football fans think he is.
Ronaldo’s interview, we are told, is 90 minutes long. In the just six minutes that’s been released, it’s been bonkers.
Seems even the Greater Manchester Police Chief and Old Trafford announcers and cleaners will all get their share. Goat on rampage
There is no way back for Ronaldo at United and there shouldn’t be either. He complains about a lack of respect but has undermined the club since the summer. His self-indulgence contradicts everything they are building under Ten Hag and timing of the interview says it all
— Rich Fay (@RichFay)After Ronaldo’s interview i have decided that Lionel Messi is the GOAT 🐐🇦🇷
— stephanie (@Piirtzy)