Man Utd: Ronaldo tries to save face with 174-word statement - admits he lost it in 'love at first sight'
Cristiano Ronaldo tried to save face by issuing a 174-word statement after it was confirmed he had been sacked by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Going back to pre-season, I felt like the 37-year-old wouldn't fit in under Ten Hag and that has proven to be the case so far.
The striker has been a small player this season and started on the bench against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils put on one of their best performances in recent memory, knocking out Spurs with relative ease at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo didn't come on as a substitute in the 2-0 win and crossed the touchline to head into the dugout on his own before the final whistle.
It has since been reported that Ronaldo 'refused' to come and trained alone on Thursday morning.
On Thursday night, United issued a statement confirming that he would not be considered for selection for their trip to face Chelsea on Saturday.
Hours later, Ronaldo took to social media to tell his side of the story.
He admitted the "heat of the moment" got the better of him and he vowed to "keep working hard".
"As I have always done throughout my career, I try to live and play with respect for my colleagues, my opponents and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed," Ronaldo said via Instagram.
"I am the same person and the same professional that I have been for the past 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.
"I started very young, the examples of the older and more experienced players have always been very important to me.
"So, later on, I always tried to set an example myself for young people who grew up in all the teams I represented.
"Unfortunately this is not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the better of us.
"Right now I just feel like I have to keep working hard at Carrington, supporting my teammates and being ready for anything in any game.
"Yielding to pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and we have to stick together. Soon we will be together again."
The 37-year-old's contract expires next summer and it looks increasingly likely that he will leave sometime next year.
Ronaldo was keen to leave United this summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
There wasn't exactly a queue of clubs desperate to sign, so he was forced to stay at Old Trafford.
If he continues to 'act like a spoiled brat', even fewer clubs will be willing to face him.
READ MORE: Man Utd must make Spurs victory a defining moment for Ten Hag. And Ronaldo…
Cristiano Ronaldo tried to save face by issuing a 174-word statement after it was confirmed he had been sacked by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Going back to pre-season, I felt like the 37-year-old wouldn't fit in under Ten Hag and that has proven to be the case so far.
The striker has been a small player this season and started on the bench against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils put on one of their best performances in recent memory, knocking out Spurs with relative ease at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo didn't come on as a substitute in the 2-0 win and crossed the touchline to head into the dugout on his own before the final whistle.
It has since been reported that Ronaldo 'refused' to come and trained alone on Thursday morning.
On Thursday night, United issued a statement confirming that he would not be considered for selection for their trip to face Chelsea on Saturday.
Hours later, Ronaldo took to social media to tell his side of the story.
He admitted the "heat of the moment" got the better of him and he vowed to "keep working hard".
"As I have always done throughout my career, I try to live and play with respect for my colleagues, my opponents and my coaches. That hasn't changed. I haven't changed," Ronaldo said via Instagram.
"I am the same person and the same professional that I have been for the past 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.
"I started very young, the examples of the older and more experienced players have always been very important to me.
"So, later on, I always tried to set an example myself for young people who grew up in all the teams I represented.
"Unfortunately this is not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the better of us.
"Right now I just feel like I have to keep working hard at Carrington, supporting my teammates and being ready for anything in any game.
"Yielding to pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and we have to stick together. Soon we will be together again."
The 37-year-old's contract expires next summer and it looks increasingly likely that he will leave sometime next year.
Ronaldo was keen to leave United this summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
There wasn't exactly a queue of clubs desperate to sign, so he was forced to stay at Old Trafford.
If he continues to 'act like a spoiled brat', even fewer clubs will be willing to face him.
READ MORE: Man Utd must make Spurs victory a defining moment for Ten Hag. And Ronaldo…
What's Your Reaction?
