Ronaldo statement branded ‘absolutely pathetic’ PR stunt in which he failed to ‘be a man’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement in response to his latest Manchester United strop was “absolutely pathetic” and a mere PR stunt, according to Jermaine Pennant.

Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel and out of Old Trafford before the end of United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Portugal international was heavily criticised by everyone save the true fanboys, who continue to defend his actions.

In response, Ronaldo blamed the ‘heat of the moment’ in a statement released on social media.

The statement read: ‘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

‘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.

‘Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented.

‘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.’

Pennant is having none of it, insisting it was a “pathetic” attempt to save face.

Pennant told talkSPORT: “Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. At the end of the day, be a man and own up to your mistakes. Say ‘hands up, I messed up here and I sincerely apologise to firstly my teammates, my manager, the club and the fans’.

“It’s about him and how ‘I’ve done this and done that’. It’s a load of nonsense. It’s just PR for him and not what he should be doing.

“It’s pathetic.”

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