Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to being dropped from the club's next Premier League fixture against Chelsea, stating he is the "same person and the same professional" he was but "sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us."
The striker's reaction came after he was axed from the squad by Man U manager Erik ten Hag on Saturday for storming off the pitch before the final whistle during the game with Tottenham Hotspur.
In a post on Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: "As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. 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 get’s the best of us," Ronaldo added.
"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 said.
Ronaldo, who started United's last home game against Newcastle United, was left on the bench by manager Erik ten Hag for the game against Spurs. With only minutes left until the final whistle, the 37-year-old stormed off down the tunnel in disappointment after Ten Hag left him on the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo walking off at Old Trafford last night BEFORE the game had finished.
— Evolution Football Tips (@TipsEvolution) October 20, 2022
One of the greatest ever but you win and lose TOGETHER.
United look a stronger and more cohesive team without him.
A true legend but his time at OT should end soon.pic.twitter.com/IinJdUM53D
Ronaldo also refused to come on as a substitute when Ten Hag brought on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga in the 87th minute. He reportedly left the stadium and was not in the dressing room when Ten Hag and the players returned, according to ESPN.
Ten Hag had stated after the match that he will deal with the Ronaldo situation on Thursday. "I don’t pay attention today, we will deal with that tomorrow," he said. "I want to focus on this team, on these 11 players," he added.
However, a club statement issued on Thursday read: "Cristiano will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday's game against Chelsea. The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture."
The decision to axe him had the support of the club’s hierarchy and Ronaldo will not train with the first team but Ten Hag has still asked him to report to the training ground.
