Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy. The superstar soccer player made explosive comments in an interview with Piers Morgan. The Manchester United star had felt betrayed by his manager, among other unpleasantries he revealed in the interview.
Via ESPN, “Cristiano Ronaldo says he ‘doesn’t respect’ Erik ten Hag and claims the Manchester United manager tried to force him out in the summer.”
He voiced his displeasure with the Manchester United manager and the club to Piers Morgan. He claimed the club and its manager were trying to pressure him away from the team. He also said he felt betrayed. Via ESPN, “Not only the manager but the other two or three guys who are around the club [at the senior executive level.’ I felt betrayed. I don’t care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel that some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last season too.”
This is yet another issue that’s rose to the surface in his second tenure with Manchester United. He was recently suspended by manager ten Hag, so hostilities between them haven’t just begun out of nowhere. And it doesn’t look like they are going to stop after the club responded Monday.
Via The Guardian, “United’s response on Monday to Ronaldo’s Sunday night revelations was to release a three-sentence statement. ‘Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo,’ it read. ‘The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established. Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief, and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
This looks like it’s going to be a long, drag-on media war between the two sides. The World Cup might alleviate tensions and refocus attention, at least temporarily. But in the second half, Ronaldo and his relationship with his most notable club team will be one to watch.
[ESPN, The Guardian]