Cristiano Ronaldo has released a statement after he was dropped from Manchester United’s squad for the game against Chelsea.
Earlier on Thursday, United had confirmed via a statement that Ronaldo would be dropped from the squad for the match against Chelsea – with the club reacting to Ronaldo walking into the tunnel before the final whistle against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 37-year-old had been an unused substitute in the 2-0 win, arguably United’s best game of the season, with coach Erik Ten Hag confirming he would deal with Ronaldo the next day.
Earlier on Thursday, United stated: “Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” with the Portuguese now reacting with the following statement himself:
“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches,” the statement on Instagram reads. “That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
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“I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.
“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
