only hit out at because he was ‘hurt’ and ‘angry’, according to fellow Old Trafford legend Patrice Evra.
Ronaldo, considered one of the best players of all time, appears to have played his last game for the club after giving an explosive interview to TalkTV host .
Across the 90-minute interview, Ronaldo said he felt ‘betrayed’ by Manchester United and admitted he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag.
The Portugal legend also criticised United for stagnating since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, blasted the ‘ridiculous’ appointment of former interim manager Ralf Rangnick and took swipes at Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
Ronaldo has been widely condemned for his sensational outburst, with Rio Ferdinand insisting he cannot defend his former team-mate and insisting there is ‘no way back’ for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at Old Trafford.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, reckons Ronaldo is ‘trying to get sacked’ and says the 37-year-old’s United career was also going to end in tears.
Evra stopped short of defending Ronaldo but admitted he sympathises with the striker and says he only gave the interview because he felt ‘hurt’ and ‘angry’.
‘It’s a really low moment for Cristiano right now and there are a lot of people criticising him about his attitude, but at the end of the day we are all human,’ Evra told .
‘I’m not trying to defend anybody but sometimes when you are hurt you can make mistakes.
Ronaldo is currently in Qatar preparing for Portugal’s World Cup campaign and Evra added: ‘I think Cristiano Ronaldo will take his chance to show he’s the best player in the world.
‘In the last game he was being booed by his own fans so he will be really hurt. He’s already won something with his country, but I am sure this tournament will be personal for him.
‘He needs to think about the team, and they have a strong squad and I think Portugal can surprise some people. They’ve got an angry Cristiano Ronaldo right now.
‘Angry for winning, angry for goals and angry for showing people that he’s the best player in the world, and I hope that doesn’t impact the squad.
‘This could be his last world cup, and with everything that is going on with Manchester United, I’m sure he can’t wait to start. In his head, he’ll already be training and getting ready.’
Evra also named his favourites to win the upcoming World Cup, claiming that Brazil are the team to beat in Qatar.
He said: ‘Brazil are still my favourites. I think Neymar will surprise a lot of people. He reminds me a lot of Ronaldinho.
‘They don’t play to be the best in the world, they play for fun and to entertain. I see a Neymar this year that wants to put this team on his shoulders and prove to people I can be the best player in the world he decides.
‘That’s why they are my favourite, along with the squad depth.’
On England’s chances, Evra continued: ‘I think it’s really good for England to have these bad results because it reduces the pressure. I think we should give more credit to the manager. He’s made the country believe again.
‘It’s time for Harry Kane to step up at a major tournament, as one of the best strikers in the world. You need to prove yourself in the Champions League and World Cup.
‘There’s been a lot of criticism of Harry Maguire but personally I think when he players for England he has always been amazing.
‘England are also missing a lot of full-backs. That’s my worry. They aren’t the most important role in the team, the midfield is key, but full-backs play a massive part now and they can have a massive impact.’
, .
, and .
