Manchester United have said they have “initiated appropriate steps” following Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial interview comments.
The club decided to wait until Ronaldo’s full interview aired before responding. Ronaldo recently sat down with Piers Morgan and the final part of the interview was made public in the UK on Thursday
During the 90-minute debate, Ronaldo criticized Man United manager Erik ten Hag, his team-mates and the club’s owners.
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Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo watches the English Premier League match against Norwich City at Old Trafford on April 16, 2022 in Manchester, England.
(Simon Stackpool/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“Manchester United has taken the appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s media interviews this morning,” the club said on Friday. “We will not be commenting further until this process is complete.”
The 37-year-old Ronaldo visited Qatar as he prepares to take part in his fifth World Cup with Portugal. The forward may not return to Old Trafford after the World Cup.
Many considered Ronaldo’s position at the club to be unfounded even before the full interview was released.
Until now, it was believed that demanding salary would create obstacles related to the transfer of a football player. However, if Ronaldo is found to have breached his contract, it could lead to his contract being voided.
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 700th career goal at club level.
United officials claim they were unaware of Ronaldo’s interview with Morgan and waited to appear on TalkTV until the club’s legal position was determined.
United manager Ten Hag and Ronaldo have had a turbulent relationship since the end of last season.
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo leans against the goal during the English Premier League match against Norwich City at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, April 16, 2022.
(AP Photo/John Super, File)
The Hague forced Ronaldo to train away from the squad after the forward refused to be substituted for the match against Tottenham.
– I think he does not respect [me] I have to deserve it,” Ronaldo said. “But it is what it is. That’s probably why I left the game against Tottenham. … That’s why I say I don’t respect him because he doesn’t respect me.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, capital, scratches his head during a Portugal national team training session in Oeiras, outside Lisbon, on Monday.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Ronaldo has not visited Champions League clubs in the off-season, meaning he could leave in the January transfer window.
“If I come back, I will be the same Cristiano. But I hope that people will be on my side and give me the opportunity to shine as I have in all clubs and all years,” he said.
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Portugal will kick off the World Cup with Ghana on November 24.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
