Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the sensational Cristiano Ronaldo interview in which the striker criticised almost everyone at Manchester United and pretty much attempted to end his Old Trafford career.
On Sunday night, journalist Piers Morgan revealed he had spoken to Ronaldo about Erik ten Hag, Wayne Rooney, Man Utd as a whole and some other huge topics. Morgan promised the interview would dominate headlines around the world and that is exactly what it has done.
Ronaldo said he ‘didn’t respect’ Ten Hag due to the Dutchman showing no respect to him. He also revealed he hadn’t heard of Ralf Rangnick before the German’s appointment as interim boss last season.
Ronaldo then took aim at former team-mate Wayne Rooney, who has spoken about the situation being an ‘unwanted distraction’ for Ten Hag. The Portuguese believes Rooney might be jealous about him still playing at the top level, while also making a joke about him not being as good looking.
Ronaldo’s interview has led to criticism from Jamie Carragher, who thinks Ten Hag is will within his rights to want the 37-year-old out.
And now Ferdinand has issued his response. During an appearance on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel (via EuroSport), Ferdinand claimed the exact moment Ronaldo ended his Man Utd career was when he blasted Ten Hag.
The other comments may not have signalled a January exit, but Ronaldo’s criticism of his own head coach certainly will.
“I’m quite clear with this situation. It’s over,” Ferdinand admitted. “That love affair with Man Utd is finished. The book has been closed.
Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘snookered the club’ – Rio Ferdinand
“He’s snookered the club and put them in a position where there’s no way back. Whether anyone at the club wanted to keep Cristiano, they can’t now, after what he’s said.
“If that interview was two minutes long and not however long it’s gonna be [90 minutes], and he said the comment ‘I don’t respect the manager’, regardless of anything else that’s gonna be said, that is the reason why he goes.
“I played with players, [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, David Beckham. Before I was there, Jaap Stam. All players the manager booted out of the club because he said they thought they were bigger than the club at the time.
“All of them reasons by the way, were nothing like we’ve seen today.
“Us, everyone in media and [the] fans, knew this moment was coming.”
Ronaldo now set for transfer elsewhere
As Ferdinand states, Man Utd have had some high-profile departures in their time. But nothing has been quite as jaw-dropping as this latest turn of events.
Ronaldo did not hold back during his interview. He is clearly gunning for an Old Trafford exit as soon as possible. It is impossible to imagine him playing again for Man Utd once he returns from the World Cup.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, will now work hard to find a potential suitor willing to pay his massive wages. Of course, this proved to be a huge problem during the summer.
Man Utd have acknowledged the interview. They have released the following statement: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
Presumably, Man Utd’s full response will be to sell Ronaldo as soon as they can find a buyer.
Meanwhile, Man Utd have reportedly submitted a lucrative striker bid as they aim to replace Ronaldo up front.
