Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he’s a better man after his acrimonious Old Trafford exit.
The Portugal national team captain also said that it’s time to move on from the painful end of his United career.
Ronaldo returned to United in 2021 to a hero’s welcome, 12 years after his first stint in England. The 38-year-old finished as the club’s top scorer in what was a disastrous 2021-22 season.
Erik ten Hag’s arrival saw Ronaldo’s minutes significantly curtailed as the Dutch coach showed a preference for high-energy forwards who could press and suit his football philosophy.
A bullish Ronaldo responded by granting a controversial interview to British broadcaster Piers Morgan where he publicly lambasted Ten Hag, his teammates and the club.
United club chiefs deemed the interview too venomous and a mutual agreement was arrived at to terminate the player’s contract in November.
Unable to secure a transfer to a top European club in the Champions League, Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo spoke at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers clash against Liechtenstein. The Al-Nassr star said, “Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side. I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets.”
” Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth. When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.”
“Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man.”
During the World Cup, Ronaldo lost his place in the national team as Fernando Santos opted for Benfica goalscorer Goncalo Ramos.
With Santos gone and Roberto Martinez now in charge, Ronaldo’s role in the team is still unknown. Martinez however remarked that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still very much in his plans and has a lot to contribute going forward.