Imagine if Marcus Rashford had refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and left the stadium before the match ended. Without a doubt most fans would be calling for him to be sold and the club would have suspended him for at least 3 games. When Cristiano Ronaldo did it, he was only suspended for one game and even had the captaincy a couple of games later. After all, when one of the most professional players for over 20 years pulls a stunt like this, he is likely to be given the benefit of doubt. There is also the fact that he is the most followed player and the biggest superstar to ever grace football. But even he can’t get away with a pure act of rebellion which is exactly what he did this week.
Last sunday, manchester united were in the headlines after their last minute win over Fulham. However, it took them a while before they realized the headlines was thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo who was supposedly “ill” but had given an explosive interview to Piers Morgan that broke the internet even before it aired. The snippets released were bad enough, but the actual interview was even worse. It was aired in two segments of 45 minutes each with Piers Morgan confirming that it was Ronaldo who approached him for the interview.
So what did Ronaldo say? Lets briefly take a look at his opinions:
- The first thing Ronaldo claimed was that he was talking for the fans and that the fans would always be on his side. He reiterated his love for the fans throughout the interview.
- He talks about how close he was to signing for Man City in 2021 and the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson to change his mind. Nothing wrong so far.
- He mentions how there have been no changes in infrastructure at Man Utd since his first spell nearly 15 years ago. Everything from the swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, and technology were “stuck in point in time”. Fans have known about this for years, but to hear it from Cristiano is jarring. He even makes the comparison to Real Madrid and Juventus who have upgraded all their technology.
- He took aim at the appointment of Ralf Rangnik who was appointed as interim manager after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He claimed Rangnik did not know what he was doing while reserving praise for Ole. Completely unnecessary in my opinion.
- He mentions the different mentality youngster have and the different era (one of those things the media blew out of proportion). Again nothing wrong in what he said.
- He opens up on the loss his child earlier this year and its impact on his family. He shows gratitude for the way football fans united to support him. I can’t even begin to imagine what he must be going through.
- He expresses his bemusement for the criticism he received last season. So far I agree with him. His goals helped us salvage a top 6 finish and he definitely wasn’t the problem then.
- He took aim at Rooney and Gary Neville – his ex teammates who have criticized his antics this season. He claimed they were jealous of him and his success. This is where things start to get worse.
- He talks about football being a business and his disappointment with it. Its not like he ever benefited from it and became the richest footballer (sarcasm in case it isn’t obvious).
- He missed preseason because his baby was hospitalized and the media ran stories making him out to be the black sheep. He feels the club bosses didn’t entirely believe him. He claims this after he publicly pushed for a transfer away from the club in the summer.
- He then embarks on a rant against current manager Erik Ten Hag. Claims the manager provoked him to leave early by trying to bring him on for the last 3 minutes. He claims the suspension was too harsh and that he was trying to force him out. He declares he does not respect Ten Hag because “he doesn’t show respect for me”. This is the most problematic part and the timing makes it even worse. He also blames the manager for his poor form even though he hasn’t scored for his country this season.
- He bizarrely quotes Picasso to tell the club they should destroy everything first to rebuild. He claims the club does not listen to him and he deserves to start just because of his past records.
First of all I would like to say that what he says about the club is spot on. Investment at Old Trafford and Carrington have been almost non existent and the ownership under the Glazers have sucked out millions while leaving the club in debt (#GlazersOut). I am even inclined to believe him when he says the senior executives doubted him, after all everyone knows how toxic Man Utd are currently. I deeply empathize with the personal tragedy he has suffered this year. Nobody should have to go through that.
However the interview was problematic for various reasons. The timing couldn’t have been any more worse. As a Manchester United player there is a certain way these issues need to be addresses. Nobody is denying the problems at Old Trafford, however as a professional he should have waited till the end of his contract to speak out. There is also the point that he approached Piers Morgan who always looks ready to propose to Cristiano. He kept leading Ronaldo throughout the interview and the star failed to maintain his composure. He deserves to bear the consequences of his actions.
This season, his form has been atrocious and has only scored 3 goals in all competitions. The team is playing better without him and he has clearly struggled to accept that. So far the manager has handled the situation diplomatically even though nobody would have blamed him for exiling Ronaldo from the squad. He has constantly stressed that Ronaldo is an important part of the team and even gone out of the way to keep him happy. After the stunt he pulled against Tottenham, he should have been nowhere near the first team let alone being made the captain. After all that, Ronaldo betrays Ten Hag by giving this interview. Erik Ten Hag has treated every player the same and refuses to give special treatment to anyone. Ronaldo cannot seem to accept that.
For a player who has constantly set an example of professionalism and brilliant work ethic throughout his career, this was least expected. What makes it even more disappointing is that he talks about the fans being on his side and about Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex would never have allowed this behavior in his dressing room and the fans will definitely not be on his side this time. Cristiano has poorly misread the room. He comes across as delusional and entitled throughout the interview. His potshots at ex players criticizing him shows his insecurity and he clearly has not come to terms with his obvious decline.
By making it all about himself, Ronaldo has made a mockery of the fan protests that have been going on against the Glazers since their infamous takeover in 2005. However, something good might still come out of it. Talk of the massive underinvestment at the club will pick up once again and fan protests which have been silent for a while will restart again. It seems the only way for the club to progress is for the Glazers to sell their stake.
But for now, Man Utd have to tear up Ronaldo’s contract. If he plays for the club again it will set a bad precedent where any player can throw a tantrum and get away with it. Every player faces a decline in their abilities after a certain age. While most experience it at the age of 32, for Cristiano it comes at 37. However, they all handle it with grace – something Ronaldo seems incapable of. Man Utd fans will choose to remember the Ronaldo before 2022 rather than the imposter we are currently witness to.
