In a bombshell TalkTV interview, published by the Sun, Ronaldo took aim at former United team-mate Rooney after warning the Portuguese forward last week that he was becoming an “unwanted distraction” at Old Trafford. Asked about Rooney’s criticism, Ronaldo said: “I don’t understand, you should ask him that question. I don’t know why he criticized me so badly. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Speaking to Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Cristiano Ronaldo says Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville “don’t know what’s going on” after being criticized by both former team-mates. Asked if he was jealous, he added: “Probably because he finished his career at 30. I’m still playing at a high level, I’m not going to say I look better than him, which is true. It’s hard to hear that kind of criticism and negativity from people who played with you, Gary Neville for example. “People can have their own opinion, but they don’t really know what’s going on inside the Carrington training ground or even my life. They need to hear not just one view, they need to hear mine. It’s easy to criticize , but if you don’t know the whole story, it’s easy. “They are not my friends. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Cristiano Ronaldo appeared taken aback by the frosty reception he received from Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes as they met for the World Cup. Credit: Portuguese FA “It’s easy to criticize, I don’t know if they have a job on TV that they need to criticize to become more famous. I really don’t get it. “I think they are being taken advantage of [my name] because they are not stupid. “I have to go on with my life with criticism. It’s hard when you see people who were in the dressing room with you criticize like that. I’m not going to sleep badly because of the criticism, but it’s not good to hear.” Rooney decided not to make a public statement on the matter. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player How Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United came to the point where their relationship broke down. Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy outlines the rift between the two sides It is understood that England’s all-time leading goalscorer has always maintained that Ronaldo is one of the two best players in the world – alongside Lionel Messi. But he also feels the 37-year-old has to accept he is in the final stages of his career and being a player at a club the size of Manchester United means respecting the situation and not expecting to play every minute of every minute. game. Sky Sports News has said that Rooney feels no animosity towards Ronaldo.
What did Rooney say?
Image: Wayne Rooney has warned former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo risks being a distraction at Manchester United
Ronaldo’s comments come after Rooney said Ronaldo’s acts of gloom were unacceptable this season and would not allow him to stand in the dressing room they shared. Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute and stormed the tunnel before the end of United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in October, prompting manager Erik ten Haag to drop him for a game. Asked if Manchester United were better off with Ronaldo in the team, Rooney told talkSPORT: “No, I don’t think so. He and Messi are arguably the two best players of all time and you can go that way, with whoever whatever way you’re in. I decide. “But I think the things he’s done since the start of the season, it’s not acceptable for Manchester United. I’ve seen Roy Keane defend him. Roy wouldn’t accept that. Roy wouldn’t accept it at all. It’s a distraction that Manchester United don’t need the moment as they try to rebuild. “For Cristiano, just put your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you. If he does that, it will be an asset. If he doesn’t, it will become an unwanted distraction.”
Rangnik responds to Ronaldo’s criticism
Image: Ralf Rangnick won 10 of his 24 Premier League games on temporary duty at Manchester United
In his explosive interview, Ronaldo also criticized the appointment of former United interim manager Ralf Rangnick. He said: “If you’re not even a manager, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’ve never heard of him.” Rangnick, who took over at Old Trafford in November last year after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, is currently coach of the Austrian national team. Asked at a press conference in Austria about Ronaldo’s comments, the 64-year-old replied: “I’m the boss of the Austrian national team, it’s not my job to judge that. It’s the job of Manchester United and the sports journalists there.”
Man Utd players disappointed with Ronaldo’s behaviour
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player In a 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV, Ronaldo claimed manager Erik ten Hag and others want him out of Old Trafford. Manchester United players are disappointed with the way Ronaldo has behaved but want to focus on football and not get involved in off-field matters. The Portugal captain has criticized the club and coach Erik ten Haag, who the player says he “has no respect for”. More footage of the interview emerged on Monday night, with Ronaldo claiming members of the United hierarchy doubted him when he said he could not attend training because his daughter was ill in hospital. Ronaldo has now been included in Portugal’s World Cup squad and received a cold reception from United team-mate Bruno Fernandes following the interview. Meanwhile, United’s lawyers will continue to study the comments Ronaldo has made as and when they are released and all options will be considered. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sports lawyer Steven Taylor Heath talks about the possible process Manchester United would take if Ronaldo’s comments brought the club into “disrepute”. The forward said he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United for trying to force him out of the club, with Ronaldo claiming United have made “zero progress” since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. United responded to the interview on Monday with the following statement: “Manchester United notes the media coverage of an interview with Cristiano Ronaldo. “The club will consider their response once the full facts have been established. “Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and unity that is being built between the players, the manager, the staff and the fans.” Senior club officials are discussing how to deal with the player. The club only found out about the interview as they were preparing to fly back from London on Sunday afternoon after their 2-1 win over Fulham and do not understand why he said what he said. Ronaldo was informed on Thursday that he would not be in the starting line-up against Fulham but would be in the squad. He told the club he was sick.
