Piers Morgan has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo approached him about doing the controversial interview in which the wantaway star claimed he felt ‘betrayed’ by Manchester United.
According to Morgan, Ronaldo wanted to do the interview focusing on troubles at United and his conflicting relationship with Erik ten Hag.
The full two-part sit-down interview will be showcased on Wednesday and Thursday evening. United will be bracing themselves for further bombshell comments from Ronaldo, who sparked anger from within the club and his own team-mates after the first clips were aired on Sunday evening.
Morgan himself admits he maintains a good friendship with the Portuguese star and insisted that he felt compelled to do the interview after being contacted by Ronaldo.
He also defended the timing of its release and claimed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wanted it to come out on the eve of the World Cup in Qatar.
Piers Morgan (right) has revealed how his shock interview with Cristiano Ronaldo came about
Wantaway Man United star Ronaldo has revealed his unhappiness in a rare media interview
‘Cristiano asked me to do it. Simple as that. I didn’t ask him, he asked me. He’s been thinking about this for a while, it’s no secret he has build up deep frustration about what has been happening at United,’ Morgan told talkSPORT.
Ronaldo (left) has revealed he ‘doesn’t respect’ United boss Ten Hag (right)
‘He feels he has to speak out, he knows it will be incendiary, will rattle some changes, but he also feels he should be doing this. He knows people will criticise him but he also knows what he is saying is true.
‘Sometimes the truth hurts. He’s been thinking about this for a while and I got a call. The World Cup is about to start, it gives him a month away from United and it gives time for what he has said to settle in. He can come back and resolve things.
‘He loves Manchester United and the fans but what he has come,’ said Morgan.
Ronaldo completed his fairytale return to Old Trafford at the start of the 21/22 season having been convinced to re-join Man United by legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, 12 years after he left to join Real Madrid for a then transfer record of £80million.
His second-stint at the Premier League giants however hasn’t gone to plan, with Ronaldo’s bombshell interview the latest controversial move in a season full of dramatics.
Ronaldo wanted the interview published as he spends time away from United at the World Cup
The 37-year-old (right) admitted to being ‘betrayed’ by club hierarchy at Manchester United
The 37-year-old first cited personal reasons as he was left out of United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. He returned for their final warm-up game against Rayo Vallecano but left the stadium early after being subbed off.
Ronaldo then refused to come on as a substitute in the victory over Tottenham and stormed out of Old Trafford while play carried on.
In his interview, Ronaldo said he ‘doesn’t respect’ Ten Hag and that he felt betrayed by the club.
‘I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,’ said Ronaldo.
‘Some people, they don’t want me here – not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.
‘Honestly, I shouldn’t say that. But listen, I don’t care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed.’
Ronaldo (left) previously conducted an interview with Morgan (right) while at Juventus
Ronaldo’s latest interview caps off a series of off-field controversies this season
Ronaldo’s full two-part interview with Morgan will air in full on Wednesday and Thursday
Ronaldo will quickly depart Manchester and join up with his Portugal teammates as he prepares for the fifth – and what is expected to be his final – World Cup appearance.
He has missed United’s last two games through ‘illness’ but captained the side for the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last Sunday.
The interview has reportedly been met with disappointment from United’s players, who feel he has ‘disrespected’ the club.
Ronaldo will be unable to escape the wrath of United and Portugal teammates Bruno Fernandes (left) and Diogo Dalot (right) at the World Cup
Snippets from the unreleased television interview also show Ronaldo used the opportunity to fire back at former United teammates that have criticised his off-field antics this year.
His scathing response to Man United and England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney saw Ronaldo slam his ex-teammate – that he lifted the Champions League, Premier League, and League Cup alongside – for being jealous of his career.
‘I don’t know why he [Rooney] criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,’ Ronaldo said.
‘I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…’
Ronaldo (right) has also lashed out at former Man United teammate Wayne Rooney (middle)
Ronaldo previously revealed he would tell the ‘truth’ about his return to Old Trafford after missing out on a much-desired summer transfer away from Manchester.
Posting on Instagram in August Ronaldo tempted an interview was in the works as he said:
‘They know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks. The media is telling lies.
‘I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip.’
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