Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Happy New Year’ post from 2022 has re-emerged after eyebrow-raising fans spotted a bizarre detail in his message at the time.
Portugal captain Ronaldo has endured a rollercoaster chapter in his playing career in 2022, including his shock exit from Manchester United after his bombshell interview.
Ronaldo took aim at United manager Erik ten Hag and Red Devils owners the Glazer family during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
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The 37-year-old Portuguese forward was also left in tears after his hopes of leading Portugal to the World Cup trophy in Qatar were shattered in December.
Ronaldo has since signed a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr and will be hopeful to resume his club playing career after a turbulent 2022.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 2022 New Year’s Day post featured a photo of him toasting a drink with partner Georgina Rodriguez while surrounded by his kids.
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However, fans were left confused with how Ronaldo mentioned his goalscoring tally in the opening of his message after 2021 saw the world reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ronaldo wrote on Instagram at the time: “2021 is coming to an end and it was far from being an easy year, despite my 47 goals scored across all competitions.
“Two different clubs and five different coaches. One Euro Final Stage [sic] played with my National Team and one World Cup Qualification left pending for 2022.
“At Juventus, I was proud to win the Italian Cup and the Italian Supercup, and become the Serie A Top Scorer.
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“For Portugal, becoming the Euro Top Scorer was also a high point this year. And of course, my return to Old Trafford will always be one of the most iconic moments in my career.
“But I’m not happy with what we are achieving in Man. United. None of us are happy, I’m sure of that. We know that we have to work harder, play better and deliver way more than we are delivering right now.
“Let’s make this New Year’s Eve a turning point of the season! Let’s embrace 2022 with a higher spirit and a stronger mentality.
“Let’s take us above and beyond, let’s reach for the stars and put this club right where it belongs! Join us, we’re counting on all of you!
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“Happy New Year and see you soon!”
Ronaldo pointing to his impressive goalscoring tally while admitting 2021 was “far from being an easy year” went viral on social media at the time.
“It's almost impossible for that to be real, but sadly for him it is,” one fan said in response to the message.
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Someone else posted: “Very difficult year, as it was another reminder of how he is second best to [Lionel] Messi.”
“I had to double-check that was actually real. Insane,” a third tweeted.
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Another Twitter user posted: “Must be a parody… *Checks actual post.*
A fifth added: “Had to check this way actually real. He’d marry himself if he could!”
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Adnan Riaz