Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has showered praises on his former United teammate and idol Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portuguese icon’s abrupt exit from Old Trafford.
The England and Manchester United striker Rashford reveals he has no ill will towards the five-time ballon d’Or holder despite his controversial interview that orchestrated his departure.
Marcus Rashford says he feels disappointed to see his “idol” leave the club and thanked Ronaldo for “everything he has done for Manchester United.”
Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to Manchester United 12 years after leaving the club for Real Madrid, signing a two-year deal with the Red Devils last year.
The Portuguese forward’s return to United thrilled his fans and other players at Old Trafford before his reunion turned sour after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
The 37-year-old Portuguese legendary forward found himself struggling for playing time under United’s new boss Erik Ten Hag.
Enraged with his worsening status and the unfavorable time with Ten Hag, Ronaldo launched an explosive attack on Manchester United and the manager in an interview with Piers Morgan earlier this month.
In the interview, Ronaldo accused his employers of betraying him and also aimed fierce criticism at Erik ten Hag which did not go well with the English club.
The event eventually saw the two parties part ways by mutual consent last week Tuesday.
But when Marcus Rashford was questioned about his impressions on the abrupt departure of Ronaldo, the 25-year-old England forward had nothing but praise for the five-time Ballon d’Or holder.
Rashford expressed his delight of having the Portuguese at Old Trafford and didn’t shy away when admitting Ronaldo as his idol during England’s press conference ahead of their Qatar World Cup clash against Wales on Tuesday, November 29.
Rashford said: “It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him. He is one of my idols and someone I always looked up to.
“It’s something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he’s done for Manchester United.”
Marcus Rashford’s admiration for Ronaldo appeared alongside his wish for the World Cup to end in a dramatic penalty shoot so he could redeem his Euro 2020 penalty miss.
The 25-year-old Manchester United forward was among three other England players who missed their spot in the penalty shootout at the Euro 2020 final match against Italy.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw before luck smiled at Italy during a penalty shoot that ended 3-2.
In a pre-match interview ahead of the England and Wales clash on Tuesday, November 29, Rashford said: “I’m hoping that we get to take another penalty in the tournament. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
Marcus Rashford could be the next “Cristiano Ronaldo” following his incessant impressive form, especially since this season began.
The 25-year-old England and United star player has amassed 63 goals and 34 stunning assists in 218 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo made 38 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils last season.
The Portuguese captain, being the top goal scorer for United found the back of the net 24 times and provided three assists in those matches last term.
However, Erik Ten Hag’s arrival as the club’s new coach in the summer saw Ronaldo fall down the pecking order, leaving the Portuguese with only three goals in 16 matches before leaving Old Trafford last week.
Being missed by the likes of Rashford, Casemiro, Maguire, and other United teammates, the Portuguese star has since gone on to help his side beat Ghana 3-2 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.
While his Old Trafford departure continues to be a huge talking point, Ronaldo will hopefully seal Portugal’s qualification into the round of 16 in their clash against Uruguay.
Portugal will play Uruguay in a crucial match today, November 28 at Lusail Stadium with Kickoff scheduled for 20:00 BST.
