Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he feels like he has become a “better man” after his bombshell exit from Manchester United.
Ronaldo made his sensational return to Old Trafford in 2021 after his Juventus exit and made an immediate impact under ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored an impressive 24 times in 38 appearances for United in the 2021-22 campaign, despite Solskjaer being sacked last season.
Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford was plunged into doubt after former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag succeeded Solskjaer in the United hot seat last summer.
The 38-year-old Portuguese forward was left battling for minutes at United and openly criticised Ten Hag in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
Ronaldo’s contract with United was terminated last November and the Red Devils legend then went on to sign a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez called up the former United forward for the country’s forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
Speaking at a press conference, Portugal star Ronaldo said (via O Jogo): “Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side.”
He continued: “I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets. Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.
“When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.
“Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man.”
Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team was plunged into doubt after Morocco dumped them out of the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
Martinez, who succeeded Fernando Santos as Portugal manager in January, previously claimed that Ronaldo was part of his plans ahead of Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Man Utd in talks to sign ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’
Manchester United are in talks to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag is in the market for an elite number nine this summer, having been short of options in attack this season.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has emerged as the Ten Hag’s top choice. However, the England skipper is likely to carry a hefty price tag of over £100 million, with club president Daniel Levy keen for him to stay in north London.
Meanwhile, United have been heavily linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The player recently confirmed his desire to play in the Premier League.
Although, the Nigerian is also expected to break the bank, with Napoli expecting in excess of £89 million for his services.
Ten Hag is now said to have turned his attention to Ramos, dubbed ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ by Four Four Two.
Man Utd in talks with ‘next Ronaldo’
Manchester United are in advanced talks with super agent Jorge Mendes to sign Ramos, claim Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha.
The Portugal international made the headlines at the World Cup in Qatar after he took Ronaldo’s place in the lineup.
Ramos went on to score a hat-trick against Switzerland and proceeded to start their final game against Morocco, but was unable to prevent their 1-0 quarter-final defeat.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old is also the top scorer in the Primera Liga, helping himself to 15 goals in 23 games.
Most recently, he scored twice in his side’s 5-2 demolition of Scott Parker’s Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Ramos wouldn’t come cheap, though. Benfica have attached a £106m release clause to his contract, with the striker under contract until 2026.
However, the report states that the club would be open to selling the player for a discount £88.8m (€100m).
