Ronaldo began the season on the fringes of the Manchester United squad after spending the summer trying to leave Old Trafford in order to protect his Champions League record from Lionel Messi.
He was then slowly integrated back into the squad before refusing to come on vs Tottenham and leaving the ground early.
Despite this, in his interview last Sunday, Ronaldo stated that he felt betrayed by Manchester United:
“Yes [I’m being forced out]. Not only the coach, but another two of three guys around. I felt betrayed,” he said.
“People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed and I felt that some people didn’t want me here, not just this year, but last year too.”
On Erik ten Hag, he added: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.”
Now, Ronaldo has attempted to defend himself on Monday morning, appearing at Portugal’s press conference despite not being scheduled to do so.
He told reporters: “Timing is always timing. From your side it is easy to look at how we can chose timings.
“Sometimes you write truths, sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry what others think. I talk when I want to. Everybody knows who I am, what I believe in.”
Ronaldo, who went on to describe himself as “bullet proof” and “iron clad”, demanded reporters stop asking his team-mates about the interview. He also attempted to explain what was perceived as an awkward first meeting since the interview with international and domestic team-mate Bruno Fernandes. He said the pair were “playing around” and added: “His plane was late – I asked him did you come by boat”.
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