Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his Manchester United exit for the first time in public. He talked about it in a news conference before Thursday’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier match with Liechtenstein.
He claimed that his exit from the club was during a bad phase in his career personally and professionally.
“There is no time for regrets in this life. Even if we don’t do so well, it’s part of our life. When we are at the top of the mountain, it’s hard to see what’s down here and many times I couldn’t. I feel like I’m better prepared now because I can see some things. I’m a better man now.
🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo: “As I said, I went through a bad phase in my career [Manchester United exit] probably for the first time. It was part of my growth. Now I am more prepared and this learning was important, I feel as though I’m a better man.” pic.twitter.com/KLYee5bbAy
— TC (@totalcristiano) March 22, 2023
“I think that everything in life happens for a reason. I’m often grateful to go through some difficult things so I can see who is really on my side. At the tough times, you see who is on your side. It wasn’t a very good phase in my life, in my career, first on a personal level and then professionally.”
Ronaldo gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he slammed Manchester United. He took a dig at the owners as well as the manager Erik ten Hag. The club did not tolerate this and after awaiting the complete details, the club and the player mutually terminated their contract. This happened in late November of 2022 when Ronaldo was in Qatar playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After the completion of the World Cup, Ronaldo signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Currently, the Portuguese star is playing his club soccer in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo set to break another international record
Records and Ronaldo go hand in hand. The Al-Nassr star is set to break another international record. With his next appearance on the field in a Portuguese shirt, he will set an all-time record of appearances with a national team. As of now, he is tied with Bader Al-Mutawa’s mark of 196 outings for Kuwait.
🎖️ Cristiano Ronaldo comes on for his 196th Portugal appearance, making him the joint most capped played in men’s international football history!
🥇 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 196
🥇 🇰🇼 Bader Al-Mutawa: 196 pic.twitter.com/JDW7HDeIIi— MessivsRonaldo.app (@mvsrapp) December 10, 2022
“Records are always positive,” Ronaldo said. “They are my motivation. I like to break records and this record is special. I’ll be really proud if it happens, but I want to keep playing even more games, I don’t want to stop here.”
Ronaldo is also the proud holder of the record for most goals scored in international soccer. He has scored 118 goals for his national team. Portugal is set to face Liechtenstein and Luxembourg during the international break.
