What did Cristiano Ronaldo say on Instagram about Old Trafford walkout?
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a statement on social media after being dropped by Manchester United over his early exit from Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he acted in the “heat of the moment” after the forward walked out of Manchester United’s Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Seemingly frustrated by his peripheral role at United this season, Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Wednesday - and left the stadium before the final whistle, storming down the tunnel in the 89th minute.
This came three days after the player reacted angrily to being substituted in United’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United, having made his first league start since August.
United announce Ronaldo dropped for Chelsea match
The 37-year-old’s early exit from the Spurs game has led United head coach Erik ten Hag to drop him from the squad for this weekend’s league clash with Chelsea, while the player is also expected to be fined.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” United said in a statement on Thursday. “The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”
AS understands that tension between Ronaldo and United has been growing in recent weeks, and after a crisis meeting at the club’s Carrington training ground, the decision was made to leave the Portuguese out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Ronaldo’s statement on Old Trafford exit
In a message posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, Ronaldo did not apologise for his actions, but conceded: “Sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.”
“I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches,” the player said. “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.
“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 gets 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.”
Ronaldo peripheral at United this season
Ronaldo, who sought to leave United in the summer, has made just six starts in all competitions this season, with only two coming in the Premier League.
He has scored two goals in a total of 12 appearances in 2022/23.
Video: What does the future hold for Ronaldo?
