The football legend’s explosive interview has sent shock waves everywhere
Cristiano Ronaldo has accused Manchester United of a lack of “empathy” after club officials doubted him when he returned late for pre-season due to his daughter’s illness.
The 37-year-old, and his partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28, revealed that their son had died at birth on April 18, but his twin daughter survived.
The couple described his death as ‘the greatest pain’ with tributes flooding in from across the footballing world, which included rival Liverpool supporters singing You’ll Never Walk Alone following a minute’s applause, and beyond.
"I feel betrayed."
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels like he's being forced out of Manchester United in an explosive interview.
90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV.@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/nqp4mcXHB0
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
Ronaldo said he also received a touching personal note of condolence from the Royal Family while he grieved.
But he has accused his club of a lack of ’empathy’, particularly when his three-month-old was taken to hospital in July.
It caused him to return late to pre-season training because he wanted to stay with her.
Ronaldo said officials at the club left him feeling ‘hurt’ and ‘bad’ after he explained the reasoning behind his late return.
His daughter’s sickness came just three months after the tragic death of his baby son.
He launched an astonishing attack on Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag that looks certain to end his Old Trafford career.
Elsewhere in the interview on TalkTV with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo accused Ten Hag and United executives of trying to force him out of the club, saying he has no respect for the Dutchman and feels ‘betrayed’.
"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero."
Don't miss Piers Morgan's 90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV.@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/VextyEu7f9
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” said Ronaldo.
“Some people, they don’t want me here – not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.
“Honestly, I shouldn’t say that. But listen, I don’t care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed.”
Ronaldo missed United’s last game before the World Cup through illness on Sunday, but Ten Hag will be incandescent that the 37-year-old’s comments will overshadow the 2-1 win at Fulham and Alejandro Garnacho’s injury-time goal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was allowed back into the squad after apologising and was even made team captain at Aston Villa last week.
However, Ronaldo’s outburst makes it almost impossible for him to stay at Old Trafford beyond the January transfer window, leaving United and Ten Hag with little choice but to find him a new club.
His team-mates were said to be deeply disappointed by his comments on Sunday night and see it as way to force his departure from Old Trafford which they now believe is inevitable.
Ronaldo finished as United’s top scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions, but Manchester United only managed to finish sixth in the Premier League.
The full dramatic and candid interview is set to air in two special shows this Wednesday and Thursday, at 8pm on TalkTV – Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo.
Related links:
- Karim Benzema says Cristiano Ronaldo still hasn’t congratulated him on Ballon d’Or win
- Ben White criticised for bizarre interview after Arsenal’s draw at Southampton
- Cristiano Ronaldo exit on the cards after boss has change of heart
