Summary of "The FULL Cristiano Ronaldo Interview With Piers Morgan | Parts 1 and 2"
The full interview between Cristiano Ronaldo and Piers Morgan covers a wide range of topics including Ronaldo’s recent return to Manchester United, his personal struggles, professional challenges, and future outlook.
Return to Manchester United and Club Challenges:
Ronaldo explains his decision to rejoin Manchester United was driven by loyalty and emotional connection to the club, its fans, and Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite interest from Manchester City, his heart led him back to United. However, he was surprised and disappointed by the club’s lack of progress in infrastructure, technology, and overall stability compared to his experiences at Real Madrid and Juventus. He criticizes the club’s management decisions, particularly the appointment of Ralph Rangnick as interim manager, calling it a mistake and a sign of poor ambition. Ronaldo also reflects on the instability and underperformance of the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Relationship with Managers and Teammates:
Ronaldo discusses his difficult relationship with managers post-Ferguson, especially with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag. He praises Solskjaer as a good person and coach who needed more time but felt disrespected by ten Hag, citing incidents like being benched, limited playing time, and the infamous episode where he left the stadium early during a preseason game. Ronaldo feels ten Hag lacked respect for him and suggests the club’s senior executives may have wanted to push him out. He also addresses criticism from former teammates like Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, expressing disappointment but understanding that some criticism is part of the business.
Younger Players and Football Culture:
Ronaldo notes a generational shift in mentality among younger players, suggesting they lack the hunger and suffering that characterized his generation. He prefers to lead by example rather than giving direct advice and highlights a few young players he admires for their professionalism.
Personal Tragedy and Family:
A significant part of the interview deals with Ronaldo’s personal tragedy—the loss of his newborn son while his partner Georgina was giving birth to twins. He describes this as the worst moment of his life, comparable only to the death of his father. He shares how the family coped with grief, explaining how he and Georgina grew closer and how they explained the loss to their other children honestly. Ronaldo also talks about the support from fans and the football community during this difficult time, including a touching tribute from Liverpool fans and condolences from the British royal family.
Media and Public Criticism:
Ronaldo expresses frustration with the press, accusing many outlets of spreading lies and negativity about him and his family. He admits to ignoring most criticism but acknowledges it can be hard, especially when it affects his loved ones. He discusses how social media amplifies both his popularity—he has nearly 500 million Instagram followers—and the scrutiny he faces.
Future and Legacy:
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is focused on the upcoming World Cup, which he believes will likely be his last. He is optimistic about Portugal’s chances despite not being favorites and respects major rivals like France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and England. He expresses a desire to continue playing for two to three more years, aiming to finish around age 40. Ronaldo also talks about his plans post-retirement, including writing a book and mentoring young people on professionalism, longevity, and mental strength.
Relationship with Messi and Football’s Future:
Ronaldo speaks respectfully about Lionel Messi, calling him an amazing player and person, and reflects on their long-standing rivalry and mutual respect. He is open to the idea of playing alongside Messi one day and acknowledges the evolving nature of football as a business.
Closing Thoughts:
Ronaldo reiterates his love for Manchester United and its fans, despite the current challenges and uncertainty about his future at the club. He hopes to help the club return to its former glory but recognizes that changes in leadership and structure are necessary. He thanks fans for their support and emphasizes his commitment to continuing his career at the highest level for as long as possible.
Presenters/Sources:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Interviewee)
- Piers Morgan (Interviewer)
Category
Sport
