Following his ‘difficult phase’ in his career during his second stint at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo maintains that he is a different man.
The Portugal veteran’s playing time was cut short after Erik ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer. His dissatisfaction increased, and he eventually gave an authorized, heated TV interview to Piers Morgan in which he attacked the team and how it had treated him.
As a result, his contract was eventually canceled by mutual consent, and he joined Al-Nassr, a Saudi Arabian football team.
“There’s no time for regrets, but I have no problem admitting that I had a bad phase of my career,” he said at a press conference held in advance of Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Liechtenstein.
Whether I did well or not, life continues on and it contributed to my development. Many times, from the top of the mountain, we are unable to see what lies below.Since I hadn’t experienced anything like this before, like in the last two months, I’m now more prepared and have learned what was crucial. I’m a better man now.
After the World Cup in Qatar, there had been rumors that the 38-year-old would retire from international competition, but he now has hope for the future thanks to the appointment of Roberto Martinez as head coach.
Before playing Luxembourg on Sunday, Portugal’s first Euro 2024 qualifier is against Liechtenstein on Thursday. Ronaldo will be eager to impress Martinez and prove he can still perform at this level.
“This is a new chapter for each of us.” The most crucial thing, he continued, is that the energies are positive and good.
“There’s fresh air, new perspectives, and a new mindset now.”
In his candid chat with Morgan, Ronaldo revealed some choice worlds for United. Last year, during United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham, Ronaldo stormed off down the tunnel, infuriating fans, analysts, even Ten Hag.
He said the team had become stale when Ten Hag left for Real Madrid in 2008, accusing United of “betraying” him and showing disrespect for him.
Some people, including the coach and the other two or three guys, don’t want me here. not just this year but also the year before.
I really shouldn’t have said it. However, I don’t give a damn. Truth should be heard by everybody. Yes, I do feel duped.
“Since Sir Alex Ferguson left, I have not witnessed any advancement at all in the club. Nothing altered. Not just the gym, not even the pool or spa. They astonished me greatly by stopping in time.I believe the truth should be known by the fans. I wish the club all the best. However, there are certain aspects of [the team] that prevent you from being as successful as City, Liverpool, and even Arsenal right now.
He will be especially eager to close a bad chapter in his career that began with his departure from Manchester United and ended with a falling out with Martinez’s predecessor at Portugal during the World Cup last year.
Prior to being benched for their 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the round of 16 and their 1-0 defeat to Morocco, Ronaldo had started the first three games of the competition.
However, Santos took offense at him after he pouted after he was replaced during their 2-1 loss to South Korea. His old boss declared, “If I see the images, yes, I didn’t like it, not at all.” It was really not to my taste.
After being benched against the Swiss, Ronaldo allegedly threatened to leave Portugal’s World Cup team. This was followed by tense discussions with Santos.