Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he believes Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag have tried to force him out of the club.
The 37-year-old, who missed Sunday’s 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage through illness, made the admission during an interview with Piers Morgan.
Snippets of Morgan’s world exclusive with the United ace was released on Sunday evening, just an hour after details of the interview were revealed.
Ronaldo wanted to leave United during the summer transfer window in pursuit of Champions League football but was blocked from leaving by the club, who regularly reiterated that he had a big part to play in new manager Ten Hag’s plans. He missed the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to ‘personal reasons’ and has struggled to nail down a place in the team this season.
Now, following a statement he released back in August, confirming that he would reveal the ‘truth’ in an interview, Ronaldo has confirmed that he feels “betrayed” by United, insisting that both Ten Hag and senior members of staff at Old Trafford have tried to force him out.
Asked if United were trying to force him out, Ronaldo told Piers Morgan Uncensored: “Yes. Not only the coach, but two or three other guys around the club.”
Asked if they were at senior executive level, Ronaldo continued: “Yes. I felt betrayed. Honestly, I shouldn’t’ say that, I don’t know. But I don’t care, people should listen.
“I feel betrayed and I felt that some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”
Ronaldo continued to criticise Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, saying, “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” per the Sun. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
Former manager Ralf Rangnick was also the target of Ronaldo’s ire. “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United,” Ronaldo told the Sun. “I’d never even heard of him.”
Ronaldo also ripped Manchester United’s training facilities, saying the team did not make improvements under Rangnick. Former teammate Wayne Rooney also found himself in the crosshairs, with Ronaldo saying, “I don’t know why he criticizes me so badly … probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at high level.”
Then he chuckles and adds: “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true . . . “