Ronaldo’s teammate Bruno Fernandes — also of Manchester United — took the podium on Wednesday instead, along with Portugal manager Fernando Santos.
“It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that,” Fernandes said,“I haven’t discussed the topic with Cris. We’re all focused on the national team and the World Cup. I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos and Bruno Fernandes speak during a press conference on Nov. 23, 2022, ahead of the team’s opening World Cup match.Cristiano Ronaldo passes the ball during the Portugal training session on Nov. 21, 2022.Team captains typically attend the media sessions alongside their managers, and given Ronaldo has been Portugal’s captain for more than a decade, the 37-year-old athlete was expected to attend.
Ronaldo’s tenure with Manchester United had reached a breaking point in recent weeks, with the renowned forward criticizing the club and its manager, Erik ten Hag,During the sit-down, Ronaldo — who returned to Manchester United in 2021 after playing for the club from 2003-09 — said he has “no respect” for ten Hag, whom he alleged was one of the multiple individuals who tried to force his ouster in the offseason.
Ronaldo also likened Manchester United to a “marketing club,” and accused the Glazer family, who owns the team, of caring more about what’s happening off the pitch than on it.“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,” the statement read.
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