Cristiano Ronaldo has attacked Manchester United in a Piers Morgan interview released on Sunday night.
The 37-year-old striker said the Manchester club has “betrayed” him and made him a “black sheep”.
Ronaldo, who returned late to United’s pre-season training, said his three-month-old daughter was sick and hospitalised in July, with him choosing to stay back. He said the senior executives at the club didn’t believe him, and he felt “hurt” in the process.
Ronaldo said he is blamed for all that has gone wrong at the club, with the Old Trafford outfit forcing him out.
He said: “Yes, they [United] are trying to force me out. Not only the coach [Ten Hag], but two or three other guys around the club.
“I feel that some people didn’t want me at Manchester United, not only this year but last season too.
“The fans should know the truth. I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.
“I am giving this interview, because I think it’s the right time to speak my mind.
“I felt betrayed. Honestly, I shouldn’t say that … but, listen, I don’t care, I’m always… People should listen to the truth.”
Ronaldo said Erik ten Hag doesn’t have respect for him and he reciprocates the same gesture.
“I don’t have respect for Erik ten Hag because he doesn’t show respect for me.
“If you don’t have respect for me, I will never have any for you.”
Ronaldo said that nothing has changed since his former boss Alex Ferguson left the club.
“Here the progress has been zero since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
“I love Man Utd, I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if Manchester United want to do it different – they have to change many, many things.
“For example, we have an interesting point that how the club as Manchester United after (they) sack Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) – they bring (in), sports director Ralf Rangnick, which is something that nobody understands.
“This guy is not even a coach and I’d never even heard of him. A bigger club like Manchester United brings (a) sports director – surprised not only me but all the world, you know.
“Nothing changed. Surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym…Even some points, the technology, the kitchen, the chefs, which is, I appreciate, lovely persons.
“They stopped in a time, which surprised me a lot. I thought I will see different things…different, as I mentioned before, technology, infrastructure. But unfortunately, we see many things that I used to see when I was 20, 21, 23. So, it surprised me a lot.”
Ronaldo said he tried signing for Manchester City last year, but Ferguson told him to join United instead.
“When I decided to return to Manchester United, I followed my heart.
“Sir Alex Ferguson said to me, It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City and I said ok, boss [and joined United].”
He said: “As Picasso said, you’ve to destroy it to rebuild it, and if they start with me, for me, it’s not a problem.
“But you have some things inside that don’t help [United] reach the top level as Manchester City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal.
“A club of this size should be at the top of the three in my opinion and they are not unfortunately.”
Cristiano Ronaldo said that his focus is on winning the World Cup with Portugal and then coming back to try and resolve things one way or another at United.
