Raphael Varane, a center back for Manchester United, has acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo’s heated interview with Piers Morgan will have an effect on him and his teammates.
The five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, who is presently preparing for the World Cup with the Portugal team this weekend, has harshly criticized United and manager Erik ten Hag in his in-depth interview with TV host Morgan.
Before it was shown in its entirety on TalkTV on Wednesday and Thursday evenings this week, various excerpts of the 90-minute interview were circulated on social media throughout the previous few days.
Ronaldo, who has only registered three goals for the Reds this season, claimed that Ten Hag and United have betrayed him and that they have shown him “no respect.”
Additionally, he has criticized the club’s ownership led by the Glazers and the lack of advancements at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure nearly ten years ago.
The interview’s specifics were made public just hours after United’s penultimate game before the World Cup on Sunday night, so the entire team won’t be back together until the end of December.
Despite this, Raphael Varane has acknowledged that Ronaldo’s remarks will ‘affect’ the squad and that everyone is aware of what his teammate has said.
“Obviously it affects us,” Varane told French radio station Europe1. “We follow what is happening and what is being said.”
“We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it. What is happening in the media in the big clubs is gaining momentum.”
“When it’s a star like Cristiano Ronaldo, even more, so we try to take it with distance, that is to say that we do not try to change the situation alone, we are part of a collective. What I want is the best for my team so whatever the decision, as a player, we will accept it and give the best of ourselves.”
In the summer of 2021, Varane and Ronaldo were both reunited at Old Trafford after spending several years at Real Madrid together.
Just two weeks before Ronaldo completed his spectacular comeback to the club from Juventus, Varane was acquired from the Spanish powerhouse.
Currently, Varane is hoping to be healthy in time for France’s World Cup opener against Australia next Wednesday night.
Raphael Varane
Raphael Xavier Varane, who was born on April 25, 1993, is a French professional footballer who plays center back for Manchester United of the Premier League as well as the France national team.
Varane is renowned for his defensive ability and pace, and is regarded as one of the best defenders of his time.
Prior to the 2010–11 season, Varane began training with the senior team and made several substitute appearances in league games while playing for the French side Lens.
At the age of 17, Varane made his professional football debut in 2010, and after playing for one season, he signed with Real Madrid.
He won 18 trophies there over the course of 10 seasons, from 2011 to 2021, including four FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga championships, one Copa del Rey, and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
He left Real Madrid in 2021 and joined Manchester United.
What Did Ronaldo Say?
Cristiano Ronaldo claims that he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United for attempting to force him out of the organization. He also claims that Erik ten Hag, the manager, “doesn’t show respect for me,” and that this has made him lose all respect for him.
Ronaldo also asserted there has been “zero growth” at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in the summer of 2013 in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV that was published by The Sun on Sunday night.
When questioned if United’s leadership was attempting to get him to leave the team, Ronaldo responded: “Yes. Not only the coach, but the other two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”
The 37-year-old said when asked again if senior club administrators were attempting to remove him: “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t care. People should hear the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed. Some people don’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”
“I don’t know what’s going on. Since Sir Alex Ferguson left I have seen not evolution in the club. The progress was zero.
“For example, an interesting point is how a club like Manchester United sacked Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer), they bring in a sporting director Ralf Rangnick which is something nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach! A big club like Manchester United bringing in a sporting director surprised not only me but all the world.”
“Nothing changes. Not only the jacuzzi, the pool, even the gym. Even some points of technology, the kitchen, the chefs – who I appreciate, lovely people! They stop in time which surprised me a lot.”
“I thought I would see different things, technology, infrastructure. Unfortunately, we see many things I’m used to seeing when I’m 21, 22, 23. It surprised me a lot.”
Ronaldo asked to quit the club in the summer after rejoining United in August 2021 and finishing as their top scorer in all competitions the previous season with 24 goals.
