Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell interview.
Ronaldo recently recorded a 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan where he stated that he has ‘no respect for Erik ten Hag’.
Ferdinand and Ronaldo played together at Old Trafford from 2003 to 2009.
The Englishman has defended United’s number seven during several controversial circumstances in recent months. However, he admitted that he could not defend Ronaldo after last night’s explosive interview.
He said on Vibe with Five: “I’m quite clear with the situation – Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s over. The love affair with Man United is finished, the books have been closed and I don’t see him playing again.
“One thing that happens and Cristiano is well aware, if you insult the manager who is building the project, there’s no way back.
“He’s snookered the club and put them into a position where there’s no way back whether anyone wanted to keep Cristiano – they can’t now after what he’s said.
“If that interview was two minutes long and not however long the interview is and he’s said that comment there that he doesn’t respect the manager regardless of anything else that was said, that will be the reason he goes.”
The 37-year-old desired to leave the club last summer, but United refused to sanction his exit.
There were no substantial offers received which could lure the Premier League giants into selling him.
However, after this interview, Ronaldo has no chance of returning to Ten Hag’s team after the World Cup.
Speaking against the lack of improvement in facilities post-Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement was understandable.
Most United supporters are critical of the investment the Glazers have failed to put in to improve the infrastructure.
The line was crossed when he spoke scathingly about Hag.
The Red Devils either have the option to sack him from his contract or sell him in the winter transfer window.
Either way, it is the end of Ronaldo’s second homecoming and it has not been pretty, to say the least.
Hopefully, the club and the player can part ways as soon as possible and end this toxic chapter.
