By Victor Kanayo
Portuguse star Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out in a viral interview, accusing Manchester United Coach Erik Ten Hag of attempting to bundle him out of the club in the summer.
Ronaldo also said he has no respect for his coach at United.
During the explosive interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, Ronaldo further hit Ten Hag, the club and former interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
The 37-year-old was suspended by Ten Hag after refusing to appear as a substitute during the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in October.
Ronaldo has missed United’s past two games because of illness despite Ten Hag insisting last week the striker was likely to be available for the trip to Fulham, which the Dutchman’s side won 2-1 on Sunday.
“I don’t have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said in a fragment of the interview that will air in full on Wednesday on “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”
”If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.
“Ronaldo and his representatives were actively looking for a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, but the Portugal international insists it was United and Ten Hag who pushed him toward the exit.
“Manchester United tried to force me out. 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.”
Ronaldo lamented that the club is not living up to its history and that is why it is not competing with the best.
“I have seen no evolution at the club since Sir (Ferguson) left, the progression has been zero,” he said.
In the interview Cristiano also fired a savo at his critics.
One of the tough ones is at his former Red Devils teammate Wayne Rooney.
“I don’t know why he criticises me so much. Probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level. I’m not going to say I look better than him, which is true…,” he said.
