Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has taken shots at the Red Devils while he talked about his future with the Portuguese national team.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo made a fantastic return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 and, while his first season back was a success, the second campaign was far from it as Erik ten Hag benched the striker after a string of underwhelming performances. As such, Ronaldo was openly critical of the Red Devils and Ten Hag in an interview, which ended up with his contract being terminated. The Portugal captain has now taken a few more shots at United while talking about his Portugal future.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
Speaking to A Bola, Ronaldo responded to questions about whether he's ready to represent the national team as a substitute: "In my mind, I'll always be a starter. That's what you think. Until the end of my career, I'll always think that I'll be a starter.
"I'll always respect the decisions, not just of the coach, but at the clubs I've played for, I've always respected them… once or twice, they've also behaved badly towards me (laughs). But seriously, whenever there's professional ethics, I'll always respect the coaches' decisions.
"When professional ethics are not respected, there can always be controversy, but that is separate. What I feel at the moment, and the coach's words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team and I will be the first to admit it. If that does not happen, if I am not an asset I will be the first to leave.
"But if I leave, I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do. I see the present in a very positive way because for me the most important thing is to face each moment, each cycle, and the cycle is good, I feel happy."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo has received a lot of flak for his role in Portugal's underperformance in both Euro 2024 and World Cup 2022. The former Real Madrid star was pushed off to the bench in Qatar by Fernando Santos, however, the head coach was replaced by Roberto Martinez, who has stuck with Ronaldo in the national team despite his struggles on the field. Ronaldo failed to score a single goal in Germany earlier this year but Martinez has revealed that the 38-year-old will remain a starter for the future.
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
The 39-year-old forward will now join the Portuguese national team squad for their Nations League clashes against Croatia and Scotland before he returns to Saudi Arabia.
The model got engaged to long-term boyfriend Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month.Georgina Rodriguez put on a stunning displayShe enjoyed some down time at a resort on the Red SeaThe model showed off in a number of looksShe and the kids enjoyed some down time at a holiday resort on Ummahat Island in the Red Sea.Georgina, 31, enjoyed a bike ride in the evening and stunned in her barely-there outfit...
Onana edges closer to exit as Man Utd move for Antwerp goalkeeper LammensAndre Onana has edged closer to the Manchester United exit door following positive talks over a €20m transfer for Antwerp stopper Senne Lammens.United chiefs have held talk with Royal Antwerp for Lammens, who is available at a snip for £17 million ($23m). The 23-year-old keeper recently made the step up to the seni...
[(Strasbourg) Strength]: 1. RC Strasbourg Alsace started with a 1-0 away win over FC Metz in the last Ligue 1 game. Facing FC Nantes in this game, they are motivated to take 3 points.2. RC Strasbourg Alsace were unbeaten with 2 wins and 2 draws in the last 4 games, showing fit form. They secured a 0-0 draw with Brondby IF in the last Conference League match.3. RC Strasbourg Alsace recorded 2 wins,...
[(Juventus FC) Strength]: 1. Juventus FC are undoubtedly motivated to start the new season with a home win in this game.2. Jonathan David scored first in the last warm-up match against Atalanta BC, helping the team secure a win.3. In the last two warm-up games, Juventus FC beat strong Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC, showing outstanding form.4. Juventus FC were unbeaten with 4 wins and 1 draw in...
[(AFC Ajax) Strength]: 1. AFC Ajax drew 2-2 with Go Ahead Eagles away from home in the last league match. They have achieved an unbeaten record of one win and one draw in two league games of the new season, maintaining a stable form.2. AFC Ajax's attack has maintained their excellent pre-season form, scoring 11 goals in the last 5 matches, with an average of over 2 goals per game.3. AFC Ajax's hom...
[(Atalanta BC) Strength]: 1. This match is the first round of the new Serie A season. Atalanta BC, playing at home, will strive for a win to get off to a good start, and their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. In a recent friendly match against Juventus FC, Lazar Samardzic scored a goal, demonstrating an excellent form.3. Atalanta BC have scored a total of 8 goals and conceded 11 ones in their la...
[(Udinese Calcio) Strength]: 1. Arthur Atta scored the opening goal for the team in the recent Coppa Italia match. He officially joined the club during the offseason, with Udinese Calcio spending 8 million euros to secure his services.2. Udinese Calcio won 2-0 over Carrarese Calcio 1908 in the first Coppa Italia match, welcoming the new season with good performances.3. Udinese Calcio scored 2 goal...
[(Villarreal) Strength]: 1. Villarreal started the new season with an away victory in the opening round, currently sitting near the top of the league table with 3 points. After finishing 5th in La Liga last season and securing a spot in European football, the Yellow Submarine aim to maintain their strong form this campaign. Playing at home in the Estadio de la Ceramica against Girona, the team are...
[(IK Sirius) Strength]: 1. IK Sirius have recently achieved three consecutive victories in all competitions and are in good form. In the last Svenska Cupen match, they defeated Pitea IF 5-0 and advanced to the group stage.[(IK Sirius) Weakness]: 1. IK Sirius currently ranked 12th in the league table. Facing 2nd-placed Hammarby, IK Sirius, who have been performing poorly, have little chance of winn...
[(Osasuna) Strength]: 1. Osasuna lost in the first round of the league and suffered a poor start. This time playing at home, Osasuna will strive for a win to boost morale and are highly motivated.2. Osasuna are strong at home, winning all of their previous four home games.[(Osasuna) Neutral]: 1. Osasuna have scored 6 goals and conceded 8 ones in their last 5 matches. The team's offensive performan...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 6 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 7 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 8 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC
- 9 TIPS - Yokohama F. Marinos VS FC Machida Zelvia
- 10 TIPS - Hannover 96 VS FC Magdeburg