Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed enduring affection for Manchester United despite the contentious end to his second stint at Old Trafford. Speaking in a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo emphasized that he “still loves” the club, reflecting on his departure with a sense of resignation.
In November 2022, Ronaldo’s relationship with United became strained after a high-profile interview with Piers Morgan, during which he criticized then-manager Erik ten Hag and former interim boss Ralf Rangnick. This controversial interview, which drew significant media attention, led to Ronaldo’s departure from the club shortly thereafter. Despite this, in his latest discussion with Ferdinand, Ronaldo reiterated his fondness for Manchester United, stating, “We cannot control some points in our life sometimes, but it’s done… I repeat, I still love Manchester United and I wish them the best.”
The timing of Ronaldo’s exit left Manchester United in a difficult position, as they struggled to find a suitable replacement. The club’s attempt to fill the void with Wout Weghorst on loan was seen by many as inadequate, leaving them to grapple with the aftermath of Ronaldo’s departure. Although the team faced challenges, Manchester United’s situation has improved under Erik ten Hag’s management, with the club achieving success in both the FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to make headlines with his achievements. The Al-Nassr forward recently scored his 900th career goal in a Nations League match for Portugal against Croatia. With such milestones under his belt, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down and is set to return to league action with Al-Nassr against Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League this Friday.
Despite the turbulence of his exit, Ronaldo’s recent comments underscore his continued respect and affection for Manchester United, marking a complex chapter in his illustrious career.Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest interview with Rio Ferdinand highlights his enduring connection with Manchester United, even after his controversial departure in 2022. Reflecting on the situation, Ronaldo expressed a sense of resignation about the past events, emphasizing that “we cannot control some points in our life sometimes, but it’s done.” He reiterated his love for Manchester United and wished the club success.
Ronaldo’s exit from Old Trafford was marked by a contentious interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022, where he criticized then-manager Erik ten Hag and former interim boss Ralf Rangnick. The fallout from that interview led to a swift termination of his contract. Manchester United, left without a top striker, scrambled to sign Wout Weghorst on loan, a move seen as a stopgap solution. Despite the challenges, Erik ten Hag has since steadied the ship, leading the club to FA Cup and League Cup victories, demonstrating progress under his leadership.
While Ronaldo’s departure created a void at United, the Portuguese star has continued to shine on the field. Recently, he reached a significant milestone by scoring his 900th career goal during a Nations League match for Portugal against Croatia. As he continues to break records with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s recent statements reflect a complex relationship with Manchester United—one marked by both turbulence and lasting affection.
