Cristiano Ronaldo only names three Manchester United players as 'top professionals' in Piers Morgan interview

Cristiano Ronaldo only named three Manchester United players as "top professionals" during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo's explosive interview with TalkTV anchor Morgan is what resulted in his departure from the club late last year.

Among the juiciest bits was Ronaldo not mincing his words on new coaches in the game, revealing he never saw Ralf Rangnick as "his boss" during his interim stint and having more to say about former teammate Wayne Rooney.

But another big talking point was Ronaldo's discussion about his teammates during his second stint at Old Trafford. He name-dropped fellow Portugal international Diogo Dalot as someone who has professionalism, tipping him to be at the top level for a long period.

Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, who Ronaldo played with at Real Madrid, were both singled out for their dedication.

Asked about which players he admires, Ronaldo replied: "In Manchester United I can mention Dalot, he's young, but very professional but I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional. Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot."

In the previous question, Ronaldo slammed the younger generation of players in today's game, saying they "have things more easily and "new technologies distract them".

He believes they lack the hunger and mentality he had when he was developing.

"I don't think that they don't respect the more experienced players or the older players, but they live in a different era. I can say that for my kid that's 12 years old, the mentality is not the same.

"Their hunger [is different]. I think they have things more easily, everything's easy, they don't suffer - and they don't care.

"I don't mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngers are not the same of my generation. But you cannot blame them, because it's part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them.

"They listen but this is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner went on recall the early days of his first spell at United, where he would study the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs - believing that helped him with his long, illustrious career.

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He continued: "It doesn't surprise me. But in the same way it's a shame because if they have the best examples in front of your eyes, and if they don't at least copy what you did, for me, it's kind of weird, because I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players in Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Giggs - this is why I have the success that I have and longevity.

"Because I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them."

Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr shortly after leaving United. He's scored 14 goals during his time in the Middle East.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot

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.

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