Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Corless

'I'm a better man' - Cristiano Ronaldo publicly addresses Manchester United exit for first time

Cristiano Ronaldo said his Manchester United struggles were 'part of my growth' and said he is a better man because of them, as he spoke publicly about his exit from the club for the first time.

Ronaldo's United contract was mutually terminated last year following an incendiary two-part interview with Piers Morgan that was broadcast on TalkTV.

In it, Ronaldo criticised United's owners, the Glazer family, as well as manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo was not a regular fixture in United's team under Ten Hag, with the manager preferring Anthony Martial as his main striker on the occasions when the Frenchman was fit earlier on in the season.

Read more: United takeover updates - live

Speaking at a Portugal press conference ahead of their games in this international break, Ronaldo said of his United struggles: "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.

"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."

Ronaldo had only previously addressed his United exit in a social media statement confirming the mutual termination of his contract last November. When asked about his departure from United during the World Cup, he would only say: "This chapter is closed."

Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his exit from United, and has scored nine goals in 10 appearances for his new club.

Read more:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.