Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruthlessly blasted for his “oversized” ego and told his Manchester United teammates “don’t want him anymore in the locker room.”
That is according to former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit, who pulled no punches towards Ronaldo over his recent antics with United manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo, 37, has been playing second fiddle to United forwards Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at Old Trafford this season under Ten Hag’s reign.
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner refused to come on as a substitute in United’s sensational 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford last week.
And Ronaldo’s other antics dominated headlines after he was spotted heading down the Old Trafford tunnel before the full-time whistle had been blown.
Ronaldo, whose current United deal will expire in June 2023, was axed from the Red Devils’ squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro scored a sensational injury-time header to rescue a point for Ten Hag’s men against Chelsea.
Speaking on Ronaldo’s United predicament, Petit slammed the Portugal captain for his “individualistic” behaviour and claimed he “tires everyone” with his antics.
“He tires everyone: the supporters, his teammates. They don’t want him anymore in the locker room, he pollutes everyone so much,” he told the Rothen s'enflamme podcast.
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“He has an exceptional career, when he stops we will all be unanimous in saying it, but his behaviour is so individualistic.
“His message yesterday on social media. You know you don’t like what’s going on with your club, you can’t stand your coach Ten Hag anymore, you feel like you are disrespected for what you have done, but your status no longer exists!
“You are no longer the same player, you have been demoted, you have suffered a downgrade, but you do not accept it because your ego is so oversized. Say it real! It can’t be defensible.”
READ MORE:
- Fans think Roy Keane is 'scared' of criticising Cristiano Ronaldo
- Man United should treat Cristiano Ronaldo differently as he’s ‘special,’ says Rio Ferdinand
Ronaldo is heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the January transfer window, with Premier League rivals Chelsea reportedly interested in signing him.
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The United star has been staunchly defended by former club teammate Roy Keane, who entered into a heated debate with Gary Neville in the Sky Sports studio.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football
Adnan Riaz