Ronaldo in humiliating climb-down after Man Utd release

Robin Bairner

• 23 Nov 2022 08:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed earlier this week that he speaks when he wants, but he has backed down from Portugal’s pre-match press conference following his release from Manchester United on Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s departure from the Old Trafford club had been predicted following an interview in which he openly savaged many key figures at the club, where he felt “betrayed” and “disrespected”.

It was an interview that was perceived by many to be one designed to engineer his exit from the club, and in this respect, it proved to be successful.

MORE: The two clubs fighting for Ronaldo

Ronaldo, meanwhile, had been scheduled to speak to the media before Portugal’s opening game of the 2022 World Cup ahead of their opening fixture against Ghana on Thursday, but he has backed down from the opportunity.

It is a significant move for the national team captain not to speak to the press before the first World Cup match. Seven other nations will also open their Qatar 2022 campaigns on the same day and all their captains are set to address the media.

MORE: Man Utd share price skyrockets after Glazers announce sale plans

Bruno to take Ronaldo's role

Instead, the responsibility for Portugal will be left to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who will doubtless face a barrage of questions over Ronaldo and his former club-mate’s future.

The incident will again draw the spotlight to Ronaldo and the timing of his interview, which has been strongly criticised and has drawn the focus away from the national team.

Indeed, Bruno’s relationship with ‘CR7’ appears to be rather cold after an awkward greeting with the forward as they met up for international duty. The 37-year-old may have dismissed this as a joke, but his explanation of events has not convinced many.

Now Ronaldo will have to do his talking his talking on the pitch before considering his options for a transfer during the January window.