"I feel a bit betrayed" - When Cristiano Ronaldo questioned comments from former Manchester United teammates

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines worldwide with an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan that encapsulated his frustration during a turbulent second spell at Manchester United. Speaking to Morgan on TalkTV, the Portuguese superstar opened up about his sense of "betrayal", hurt, and disappointment after being criticized by former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.

The Al-Nassr forward had shared the dressing room with them during his first stint at the club. Here's what he had said (via Daily Mail):

“To listen to ex-colleagues and team-mates criticize you and only see one point of view… I feel a bit betrayed. It’s hard when you see people who were in the dressing room with you criticizing that way. They have to listen to my point of view as well. Because it’s easy to criticize if you don’t know the whole story."

Among the sharpest criticisms came from Rooney, who had often praised the Portuguese forward's talent during their time as strike partners at United. However, the two fell out publicly after Rooney questioned the 39-year-old's impact during his return to Old Trafford.

The former Real Madrid star's response in the interview suggested a sense of betrayal and even jealousy.

"I don’t know why he criticized me so badly… Maybe he’s jealous of me. Probably because he finished his career in his 30s and I’m still playing at a high level," Ronaldo said, pointedly.

The forward went on to reveal that just a year prior, Rooney had visited his home, bringing his children to play football with Ronaldo’s son. The perceived shift in Rooney’s behavior left the Portuguese baffled. The superstar also aimed at Neville, another former teammate turned pundit, for his persistent criticism.

Ronaldo also praised former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane for their unwavering support

In the same interview, the Portuguese pulled no punches in criticizing the club’s management, facilities, and overall direction. He expressed disappointment in then-manager Erik ten Hag, accusing him of a lack of respect.

Despite the hurt and criticism, Ronaldo also acknowledged those who stood by him during this tumultuous time. He singled out Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane for their unwavering support, saying:

"It means a lot because I was in a dressing room with them; they are part of my journey in football as well. Roy Keane, for me, was my best captain ever. Rio Ferdinand helped me a lot—he was my neighbor. They’re very good guys, not just because they speak well about me but because they understand how players think and behave.”

The Portuguese talisman also suggested that some pundits used their platforms to gain fame by targeting him, adding:

"It’s easy to criticize if you have a job on television because you must criticize to be more famous. I’m the No. 1 followed guy in the world. It’s not by coincidence."

Ronaldo’s candidness sent shockwaves through the football world, and the fallout was swift. Shortly after the interview aired, Manchester United announced that they had mutually agreed to terminate Ronaldo’s contract in December 2023, effectively ending his second stint at the club.