Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he feels 'betrayed' by Manchester United in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. The former Real Madrid star claims the club are trying to force him out, making him feel like a 'black sheep'. Speaking on TalkTV's Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo said: 'Yes, I feel betrayed and I feel that some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year, too.'
Ronaldo also criticised manager Erik ten Hag, saying: 'I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you.' The 37-year-old also hit out at former teammate Wayne Rooney, who has criticised him recently: 'I don't know why he criticises me so badly. Probably because he finished his career and I'm still playing at a high level.'
The Portuguese captain hinted that Sir Alex Ferguson might be on his side, stating: 'He knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be. Everyone knows. The people who don't see that… it's because they don't want to see; they are blind.'
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, having expressed a desire to leave in the summer. He was recently suspended and fined around £1 million for leaving a match early after refusing to come on as a late substitute. He has missed the last two matches due to illness, with United now heading into the World Cup break.
Former United teammate Gary Neville had previously suggested Ronaldo should speak out: 'No one has heard him speak for six months. You don't hear from him.' He praised Ten Hag's handling of the situation.
