Explosive interview – Ronaldo feels ‘betrayed’ by Manchester United
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan for an explosive interview in which the footballer said he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United and is being forced out of the club.
Ronaldo, 37, promised in August he would explain what was happening at Old Trafford amid rumours he wanted to leave for a club playing in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag is in his first season as Manchester United’s manager.
When asked if United’s hierarchy was trying to force him out, Ronaldo said: “Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”
Pushed as to whether senior club executives were trying to oust him, he added: “People should listen to the truth.
“Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”
‘I don’t have respect for Ten Hag’
Ronaldo has been dropped a few times under Ten Hag, most recently for the Premier League game at Chelsea last month after he refused to come on as a substitute in a game a few days earlier.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
The interview will be shown over two nights on Wednesday and Thursday and is 90 minutes long.
The wide-ranging interview covers the loss of Ronaldo’s baby son and his thoughts on Ralf Rangnick.
“I think the fans should know the truth,” he said. “I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.”
‘No evolution at club since Sir Alex retired’
Ronaldo said he had seen “no evolution” at the club since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
“Nothing had changed,” he said. “I love Manchester United. I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different… they have to change many, many things.”
Ronaldo said his view of the club was shared by Ferguson, who was pivotal in his return to Old Trafford from Juventus when it appeared he might join Manchester City.
“He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be,” added Ronaldo.
“He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that… it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”
