Gary Neville has admitted that he is "disappointed" in the way Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has carried himself since Chelsea transfer links emerged as the Blues are now joined in the battle with a surprise club from around the world.
The 37-year-old's future at Old Trafford in 2022/23 remains largely uncertain despite the fact that the pool of potential suitors for his signature has shrunk significantly with Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich withdrawing their interest. It's clear that the uncertainty surrounding his future is even having an impact beyond himself as demonstrated by Erik ten Hag's snappy response when asked about his No.7 leaving the Rayo Vallecano pre-season match at half-time alongside a few other of the squad members without the permission of manager Erik ten Hag.
"What do you mean?," he said in his press conference via the Manchester Evening News when reminded about the incident once again. "Now I have to point, those who left, they were many players who left but the spotlight is on Cristiano, that is not right.
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"So do your research and make out many players left, that was what was said. I don't understand what is the relation, he was part of it. There were a lot of players."
When pressed, Ten Hag responded: "What do you mean? I'm really happy, I told you before, we have a top striker, really happy he's here with the squad and we stick to the plan.
"I think we've said enough on it (players leaving early). I said it's not correct. I'm satisfied with the whole team, we're working good, good culture and Cristiano is working really tough and hard.
"You mention it (that it is unacceptable), you correct them, then move on."
Chelsea, as well documented by now, considered an early summer move to kick off the Todd Boehly era of a player who would have certainly brought that Hollywood factor to west London.
However, Thomas Tuchel blocked the move at the time. But football.london understands but a U-turn isn't impossible, especially if other targets in the attack like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay aren't attainable before the September 1 deadline. The Blues will have to be quick in their decision-making with Corinthians the latest to signal their intent in winning this ever-changing transfer race.
Regardless of the outcome, former United defender Neville voiced his dismay at the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's conduct during this whole process.
"If he’s fit you start him and I hope he stays, I’m a little bit disappointed in him," he told Sky Sports. "I’m disappointed, to be fair he’s letting the manager go into those press conferences; Cristiano now is a good age, he’s been the greatest player in the world alongside Messi for the last 10 years.
"He’s got all the experience in the world, would it be too much to ask him to do an interview to clear things up and what he’s thinking? Would that be too much to ask a senior player. Is he not going to do an interview for the next three weeks or after the game on Sunday?
"We’re going to ask for him, is he going to come up, stand up, do the interview and not let people do the speaking for him? I think that’s the thing that would be a start. For me, I’m disappointed because the clarity we haven’t got. The reality is Ten Hag getting jumpy in his press conferences because he’s probably not telling us the truth of it because he can’t.
"The reality of it is if a Champions League club comes in for Cristiano Ronaldo I think we know Cristiano Ronaldo wants to take that move. We know that don’t we? It’s emerged over the last few weeks and at the moment no ones coming for him. That’s why the clubs saying they want him to stay but I think if someone came in he would go.
"Should Manchester United be waiting two or three weeks for their star striker to leave? Or should they say you’re not leaving come May, that would be clarity from the club but then there’s a risk that in two weeks time, Cristiano throws his toys out the pram and says he’s leaving, that sort of thing that can happen. That’s why I feel it’s unpalatable."
Chelsea fans - choose one to sign out of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Memphis Depay and explain your choice. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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