Cristiano Ronaldo’s spectacular return to Manchester United in 2021 was met with fanfare but things quickly turned sour for the legendary forward.
Ronaldo ended his first season back at Old Trafford as the club’s top goalscorer but that coincided with United’s worst domestic campaign since the Premier League started in 1992.
Erik ten Hag was appointed halfway through the two-year deal Ronaldo had signed and that sparked a protracted saga surrounding Ronaldo’s future.
The 38-year-old failed with his attempt to force a move away from the club that summer, having missed the entirety of United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
Eventually, after being demoted to the bench for the majority of the first half of the season, Ronaldo’s contract was terminated with mutual consent after an explosive interview with Talk TV host Piers Morgan was aired. Ronaldo was strongly critical of the club, whilst also sending jabs towards his team-mates and manager Ten Hag.
Since then, Ronaldo secured a record-breaking deal to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Now, speaking ahead of this month’s international fixtures with Portugal, Ronaldo has opened up on his controversial exit.
“Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side. I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets. Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth,” Ronaldo is quoted as saying by O Jogo, via Sport Witness.
“When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below. Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man.”
SN’s verdict…
By Ronaldo’s own admission, his turbulent departure has made him a ‘better man’ but his sudden and dramatic fall from grace will have hurt his ego.
United’s stunning run of form since he left the club, two defeats since the turn of the year to be exact, has vindicated Ten Hag’s decision to axe the striker.
In truth, Ronaldo’s commitment to the cause was right to be scrutinised and there is a feeling that his departure has been a major factor in the turnaround of form.
