Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after being banished from Man United first-team for refusing to come on as a substitute

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence after it emerged he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ronaldo overshadowed Manchester United's impressive 2-0 win by heading down the tunnel and leaving Old Trafford prior to the full-time whistle blowing on Wednesday night.

It then came to the light that Ronaldo had refused to come on, with United reacting by banishing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner from first-team proceedings ahead of the trip to Chelsea this weekend.

In response, Ronaldo has taken to his social media channels to publish an official statement on the matter.

"As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches," Ronaldo wrote.

"That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.

"I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me.

"Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented.

"Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.

"Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again."

The decision to make Ronaldo train alone is said to have been a direct call by Erik ten Hag, but with the backing of United.

“Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s game against Chelsea, "an official United statement read.

"The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”

Ronaldo left a pre-season friendly early in July and his conduct was branded "unacceptable" by Ten Hag.

Image: Alamy

Everything pointed towards Ronaldo leaving in the summer after he handed a transfer request but he could not find a potential suitor and ultimately remained at United.

He's scored twice this season but his first-team future is looking increasingly bleak after Wednesday's antics.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_