Cristiano Ronaldo has tried to save face as he has released a 174-word statement after it was confirmed that he has been axed by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Going back to pre-season, it felt like the 37-year-old would not fit in under Ten Hag and that has proven to be the case so far.
The forward has been a bit-part player this season and he started on the bench against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils put in one of their best performances in recent memory as they dispatched Spurs with relative ease at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo did not come on in the 2-0 win and he trudged off down the touchline to head to the dugout on his own before the final whistle.
It has since been reported that Ronaldo ‘refused’ to come on and he trained on his own on Thursday morning.
On Thursday evening, United released a statement that confirmed that he will not be considered for selection for their trip to face Chelsea on Saturday.
A couple of hours later, Ronaldo has taken to social media to provide his side of the story.
He has admitted that “the heat of the moment” got the better of him and he has vowed to “keep working hard”.
“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed,” Ronaldo stated via Instagram.
“I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.
“I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me.
“Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game.
“Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
The 37-year-old’s contract expires next summer and it is looking increasingly likely that he will leave at some point next year.
Ronaldo was keen to exit United in the summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
There was not exactly a queue of clubs desperate to sign so he was forced to remain at Old Trafford.
If he carries on “acting like a spoilt brat”, even fewer clubs will be willing to take him on.
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