Believe it or not, the Cristiano Ronaldo-Manchester United soap opera is only getting spicier.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo revealed his true feelings toward the Premier League club, admitting he thinks it has tried to force him out.
"Yes," Ronaldo said when Morgan asked if United was trying to force him out, "not only the coach but another two or three guys around the club.
"I feel betrayed, and I felt some people don't want me here. Not only this year, but last year too."
Ronaldo has been an unwanted distraction during manager Eric Ten Hag’s short reign at United, after failing to secure a summer transfer to a team playing in the Champions League.
Ronaldo was criticized, along with other players, for leaving a pre-season game early before the season. He also refused to come on as a substitute in United's 2-0 win over Tottenham in October — which led Ten Hag to punish the striker by forcing him to train away from the squad.
In the interview with Morgan, Ronaldo openly bashed the manager, saying: “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him.”
And Ronaldo wasn't done making headlines there. Former United teammate Wayne Rooney is among the people who've criticized the Portuguese star of late, prompting Ronaldo to strike back.
“I don’t know why he criticizes me so badly ... probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,” said Ronaldo to Morgan.
“I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true.”
The 37-year-old, five-time Ballon D'Or winner has fallen out of favour in Ten Hag's lineup and struggled when he has played for United — scoring one goal in 10 Premier League appearances this season.
Last season, despite his age, Ronaldo performed well in his return to United after becoming a star in Manchester earlier in his career, scoring 18 goals in 30 Premier League games.
Ronaldo will also captain Portugal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup beginning Nov. 20. It'll be his fifth time appearing in soccer's biggest tournament.
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