'They've behaved badly towards me' - Cristiano Ronaldo aims subtle dig at Man Utd and Erik ten Hag as Portugal star insists he 'always' respects his coaches' decisions amid doubts over Portugal future

Posted Tuesday, September 03, 2024 by Goal.com

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.