Graeme Souness defends Cristiano Ronaldo over his controversial interview

Graeme Souness has defended Manchester United star, Cristiano Ronaldo, over his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

On Sunday night, clips of Ronaldo’s interview with Morgan were released. During the interview, Ronaldo criticised United, Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and former teammate Wayne Rooney.

The 37-year-old said he felt betrayed by his club and accused them of showing a lack of empathy when he was experiencing what he described as the most difficult period of his life.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ronaldo has been slammed by many United fans since the interview surfaced. Many demanded Ronaldo’s contract be terminated as soon as possible.

However, former Liverpool player and manager Souness has defended the Portuguese legend.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness said Ronaldo was entitled to speak out about his feelings. When told he can no longer defend the forward, Souness said: “I certainly do, he’s never spoken and he feels it’s time for him to come out and tell his side of the story.

“This is a player who in many people’s eyes is the greatest player to ever kick a ball. I think with him, he has been told a story and the manager has not kept it.”

Souness added: “The manager doesn’t bring him on against City and says it is out of respect. A couple of weeks later he wants him to go on with two minutes to go against Tottenham, and then he makes him captain!

“Looking at it from both sides, I think the player has a grievance and he is entitled to air his grievance.”

Ronaldo now faces even more uncertainty over his United career. However, with the World Cup just a week away, the Portugal captain will have his eyes firmly fixed on the prize as he looks to fire his country to glory in Qatar.

The Portuguese are in Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

Can Ronaldo salvage his United career after the World Cup? Only time will tell.