"Ronaldo's interview? It was him who insisted on doing it"

Cristiano Ronaldo's interview has gone viral. The Portuguese player openly and convincingly criticised his club, Manchester United, as well as manager Erik ten Hag, with some strong comments. 

In fact, the club will consider what he said and 'Metro' have said that he could be fined 1 million and be let go for free. For now, the Red Devils are not going to punish the Portuguese man after putting out a statement.

"I feel betrayed. They have made me the black sheep. Not just the manager, there are two or three others who want me gone. I don't respect Ten Hag because he doesn't respect me", the five-time Balon d'Or winner said to the 'Talk Sport' journalist Piers Morgan.

After putting out the interview, he gave details about the 'making of' it: "It's very simple. Cristiano asked to do it. I didn't speak to him, it was him who asked me. He had been thinking about it for a while, it's no secret that it has driven him crazy with everything that's happened at United".

"I felt he had to talk. I knew it would explode and that the interview will lead to change, but he had to do it. He knows that people are going to criticise him, but he's saying the truth and sometimes, the truth hurts. The interview is brutally honest. There's more to it than people can see", he continued.

Then, he did not reveal the exact date it took place: "I won't say when we did it. It's recent, but that stays between Ronaldo and I. He thought about it and he called me saying: 'I want to do it now'. The fact that the World Cup starts now impacted his decision".

"He told me he wants to retire when he's 40. Therefore, he's got 2 and a half years left, but above all, he wants to be respected and valued, something which he does not feel with Ten Hag", the journalist concluded.