It\u2019s official \u2013 confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be involved in this weekend’s clash after refusing to enter the field of play during the win over Tottenham, Manchester United have confirmed.<\/p>\n
In the wake of the latest development, Cristiano Ronaldo has released a statement in response to the news that he has been axed from Manchester United’s upcoming trip to Chelsea.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old has been dropped against the Blues on Saturday after reportedly refusing Erik ten Hag\u2019s call to come on from the bench during Wednesday night’s win over Tottenham. Shortly after his punishment was meted out, Ronaldo took to social media with a \u2018contrite\u2019 message of his own.<\/p>\n
“As I\u2019ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches,” the statement reads. “That hasn\u2019t changed. I haven\u2019t changed. I\u2019m the same person and the same professional that I\u2019ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.<\/p>\n
“I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I\u2019ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I\u2019ve represented. Unfortunately that\u2019s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get\u2019s the best of us.<\/p>\n
“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\u2019ll be together again.”<\/p>\n
Only 13 months into his celebrated return to the Red Devils, Ronaldo\u2019s relationship with manager Erik ten Hag now appears to have crumbled beyond repair after this latest indiscretion. The Portuguese forward was dropped to the bench after starting previously against Newcastle.<\/p>\n
Although goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes\u00a0earned United an impressive 2-0 victory, the headlines were dominated by Ronaldo and his the tunnel strop before the final whistle. Ten Hag was diplomatically vague over the incident but did insist the infraction would be dealt with the following morning.<\/p>\n
“I don’t pay attention to that, I will deal with that tomorrow. I want to keep the focus on the team,\u201d he said in his post-match press conference.<\/p>\n
“It was magnificent from all 11 players. I have to correct myself. It was also a performance from the substitutes who came on. Once again, it was a squad performance. I think what we have seen is 11 players who defend and 11 who attack. I was pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n