Man U take ‘steps’ after CR7 attack
LONDON: Manchester United said yesterday the club have “initiated appropriate steps” following an explosive interview by Cristiano Ronaldo that left his future at Old Trafford in doubt.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he did not respect United manager Erik ten Hag and took aim at the club’s owners, the Glazer family, during the 90-minute interview aired on TalkTV.
“Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview,” the club said in a statement.
“We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion.”
Former United captain Gary Neville said on Thursday that the Red Devils have no option but to rescind Ronaldo’s contract, which runs until the end of the season.
Earlier, Ronaldo claimed he was “provoked” by a lack of respect from Ten Hag when refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month.
Ronaldo has been a peripheral figure on the field during Ten Hag’s first season in charge.
In the final instalment of an interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo responded to criticism after he refused to come on and left Old Trafford early during United’s 2-0 win on Oct 19.
“I think he did it on purpose,” said Ronaldo. “I felt provoked. I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.”
He added: “I think it was a strategy from the club for me to react that way. I was very, very, very, very disappointed for the communication of Manchester United.
“To be honest, I never had a problem with any club, with any coach and they suspend me three days, which I felt was a lot.”
The 37-year-old was reportedly keen to leave the club even before the campaign began after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Ronaldo said he turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia worth €350 million (US$364 million) over two seasons and dismissed claims there was a lack of interest from other European clubs.
“The garbage press say that nobody wanted me, which is completely wrong. I was happy here, I was motivated to do a great season here,” he said on staying at United.
“But they continue to repeat: ‘Nobody wanted Cristiano’. How are they going to not want a player who last season scored 32 goals including [for the] national team.”
Ronaldo revealed he hopes to keep playing until he is 40, but is looking forward to his fifth, and most likely final, World Cup in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo was absent through illness but Bruno Fernandes’ brace helped Portugal made light work of Nigeria with a 4-0 friendly win on Thursday.
Ronaldo, his country’s record appearance maker and the men’s international all-time top goalscorer with 191 strikes, is set to return for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Nov 24.