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Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after the two publicly fell out in 2022.
Ronaldo made a heroic return to United in the summer of 2021 from Juventus.
Despite United’s struggles that term, the Portugal international still managed an impressive return of 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
However, Ten Hag’s appointment saw Ronaldo’s playing time at United drastically reduced, with the Dutchman demonstrating a clear preference for other options high up the pitch.
The result of the pair’s spat saw Ronaldo grant an interview to British broadcaster Piers Morgan, in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner not only slammed Ten Hag and the club but also his teammates.
In the interview, Ronaldo accused Ten Hag of being disrespectful and trying to force him out of Old Trafford.
In response, the Red Devils terminated the forward’s contract. He joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr, where he currently plies his trade.
In his latest comments (via Football365), Ronaldo was asked whether he is ready to be a substitute for Portugal.
He replied by saying that he will always consider himself a starter as he aimed a subtle dig at Ten Hag.
The 39-year-old said, “In my mind, I’ll always be a starter. That’s what you think. Until the end of my career, I’ll always think that I’ll be a starter.”
“I’ll always respect the decisions, not just of the coach, but at the clubs I’ve played for, I’ve always respected them… once or twice, they’ve also behaved badly towards me (laughs). But seriously, whenever there’s professional ethics, I’ll always respect the coaches’ decisions.”
“When professional ethics are not respected, there can always be controversy, but that is separate. What I feel at the moment, and the coach’s words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team and I will be the first to admit it.”
“If that does not happen, if I am not an asset I will be the first to leave.”
Ronaldo added, “But if I leave, I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do.”
“I see the present in a very positive way because for me the most important thing is to face each moment, each cycle, and the cycle is good, I feel happy.”
At the moment, Ten Hag is under some pressure after United suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
The Reds return to action on September 14 when they travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton.
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