Ronaldo releases statement after being dropped from Manchester United squad and training
Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has released a statement in response to the news that he has been axed from Manchester United’s upcoming trip to Chelsea.
Ronaldo was dropped from Manchester United squad and training, after leaving Old Trafford before full-time of Wednesday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Tottenham, having been overlooked by manager Erik ten Hag to come on as a substitute.
United subsequently confirmed he would not be involved in Saturday’s game against Chelsea in a brief statement.
The club said;
“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea. The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”
Shortly after his punishment was confirmed, the football star took to social media with a message of his own.
The statement read;
“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
“I started very young, the older and the most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that is not always possible and sometimes the beat of the moment get’s the best of us. (sic)
“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
Ronaldo is only 13 months removed from his celebrated return to the Red Devils, but his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag now appears beyond repair after this latest indiscretion. The Portuguese forward was named amongst the subs vs Spurs, having dropped to the bench after starting against Newcastle.
The Portuguese icon is also facing a staggering £720,000 fine, and two weeks’ wages for defying his manager.
Ten Hag is believed to have been backed by the Old Trafford hierarchy to sanction the club’s most recognizable and highest-paid player as he wishes. It’s the latest in a string of disagreements between Ronaldo and United, which started at the end of last season.
