Varane: 'Ronaldo interview affects Man Utd players'
"Obviously that interview affects us," Varane told French radio station Europe 1 on November 16 before leaving with France to travel to Doha, Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. what's going on and what's being said. But we try to calm the situation in our own way and avoid getting involved."
After being sick and missing the 2-1 win at Fulham in the 16th round of the Premier League, Ronaldo himself asked MC Piers Morgan to conduct a 90-minute interview on the evening of November 13. Here, he said he was betrayed by Man Utd, disrespected current coach Erik ten Hag, criticized his predecessor Ralf Rangnick, former teammates Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and the Glazer family.
Varane is the first member of Man Utd to speak out about Ronaldo's statements. The 28-year-old midfielder also confirmed that the whole team will accept any punishment or decision of the club's leadership about Ronaldo's future.
"When it comes to Ronaldo, who is more than a star, we try to keep our distance from the problem," Varane added. "It means we're not trying to change the situation on our own, but we're still part of the team. I want the best for the club. So whatever the decision is, as a player, the whole thing. The team will accept it and give their best."
Victor Lindelof declined to talk about Ronaldo's comments. The Swedish midfielder said that Man Utd did not ban players, but only wanted to share about what is related to the 2022 World Cup. "I can answer, but I don't want to", he said, and suggested reporters. The staff member asked a question on another topic, at the press conference before the friendly match between Sweden and Mexico.
According to the British Mirror, teammates do not want Ronaldo to return to training at Man Utd after the 2022 World Cup. "Most" Man Utd players are said to support Ten Hag, and at the same time think that the conflict between the Dutch coach and Ronaldo is irreconcilable. They are also "tired of the Portuguese striker complaining about being treated badly by the club".
Meanwhile, ESPN reported that a group of Man Utd players were "angry" at the time Ronaldo announced the interview. According to the group, the 37-year-old striker's controversial statements overshadowed the victory over Fulham just hours earlier. At Craven Cottage, 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho scored in the third minute to seal a 2-1 victory for Man Utd.
According to an announcement on November 14, Man Utd hinted that they would wait and see Cristiano Ronaldo's full 90-minute interview with MC Piers Morgan, before drawing any conclusions. Man Utd also stressed that the club's immediate priority is "to focus on preparing for the second phase of the season, continuing to improve the motivation, trust and solidarity among the players, the coaching staff, the board. leaders and fans".
Ronaldo has a contract with Man Utd until the summer of 2023 and can freely negotiate with other clubs from January. According to British newspaper Sportmail, Man Utd's lawyers are studying the 37-year-old striker's interview on the Piers Morgan Uncensored program to assess whether this constitutes a breach of contract. If so, the Old Trafford owner will cut Ronaldo's contract before the deadline of June 2023.
