In one of the most shocking stories of the year, it was announced last month that Cristiano Ronaldo had his Manchester United contract terminated. This comes after Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan that saw him take aim at the club, the manager and many more.
In a statement put out last month, Manchester United wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
Now, Erik ten Hag has himself spoken out on the Ronaldo exit for the first time.
With the Daily Mail claiming Ten Hag feels stabbed in the back by Ronaldo, the manager responded to claims that he was let down by the player’s dishonesty.
“The interview I think, as a club, you can’t accept. There will be consequences. To make that step, he knew the consequences.” Asked if the interview left United with no choice but to tear up his contract, Ten Hag gave an honest answer.
“I have seen most of it, but not all of it. I think it was quite clear after that he had to leave,” added Ten Hag, who, along with chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough, decided to rip up the player’s deal after the interview aired.
“We didn’t have to discuss it. It was quite clear. Richard, John, me, it was (done). “I think the club can only be successful and operate when all the decision-makers are on one page and back each other.”
Asked if he can ever forgive Ronaldo what he did, Ten Hag added: “I don’t want to answer this situation. I am open to talk with him, so why not?
“I did everything honest, open and transparent, and we had talks about my vision, so I don’t have a problem to talk with him. Not that I would say something in particular to him.”
Despite Ronaldo’s previous efforts to force his way out, Ten Hag was keen to keep him at the club. “I wanted him to stay from the first moment until now but he wanted to leave,” he added.
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