It was a terse statement released by Manchester United on Friday morning. “Manchester United took appropriate steps this morning in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent media interview,” the club’s website said. “We will not comment further until this process is completed.” The club left open what consequences the Portuguese superstar can expect after its general settlement in an interview with TalkTV. According to English media reports, however, the consequences are ultimate.
According to a report by the Guardian, United is preparing for a legal counterattack. The English record champions have hired lawyers to prepare a lawsuit against the 37-year-old. The allegation is breach of contract. According to the AP news agency, an early termination of the contract, which is due to expire next summer, is being sought on the basis of this accusation. The club have already contacted representatives of the Portuguese.
Another use for the fifth place in the Premier League after the World Cup should thus finally be ruled out. According to the Guardian, Ronaldo has already been informed that he should not return to the club’s training ground after the tournament in Qatar.
In an interview with British star presenter Piers Morgan, Ronaldo accused the club officials at Man United and coach Erik ten Haag of “treason” and criticized the Glazer family, who own the club. The Portuguese complained in the interview, which was broadcast over two evenings, that she would not be interested in the club and would only be out for profit. He has no respect for coach Ten Hag because he doesn’t respect him either.
After the first excerpts from the TV conversation were published, Manchester United announced on Monday that they wanted to analyze all the facts before reacting to them. “I don’t know what will happen after the World Cup. But like I said before, the fans will always be in my heart. And I hope that they will stand by me, even if I return or if I don’t return,” Ronaldo said in an interview: “It’s hard for me to say that I won’t return to Manchester United. Let’s see what will happen.”
So now apparently the final end.
