Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a statement on Instagram following his controversial outburst in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
In the final minutes with Manchester United cruising to victory, Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel after failing to come on as a substitute.
Following the incident, it was confirmed today by Manchester United that he would not be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Chelsea in Stamford Bridge.
It was yet another game where all the talking points that followed were about the 37-year-old, despite not being involved in the game.
For the first time in his career, Ronaldo is not having the team built around him, and has not taken to Erik Ten Hag's different approach well.
The dutch manager has shown he will do what's best for the squad, even if that includes upsetting Ronaldo.
Considered by many as one of the greatest players of all time, his contribution has been minimal, scoring two goals all season, with Erik Ten Hag preferring Marcus Rashford as the club’s main striker.
READ HERE: The Reaction As Ronaldo Fumes After Being Subbed Off With 20 Minutes Left
When he has played, he has looked a shadow of his normal standards that has seen him achieve greatness throughout his career.
In this somewhat non-apology on Instagram, Ronaldo has vowed to keep working hard and support his teammates.
"Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand."
- Cristiano Ronaldo on Instagram pic.twitter.com/gx4MQhnwDC— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 20, 2022
“As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision making process.
I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented.
Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
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 into the pressure isn’t an option. It never was.
This is Manchester United and United we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
Where we may see Ronaldo, or if, is very uncertain at this point. The club has back Ten Hag’s decision, proving no player is bigger than the team under his management.
After a summer of speculation, it would be no surprise if Ronaldo departed the club in January.
SEE ALSO: Peter Schmeichel Among First Former Manchester United Stars To Turn On Cristiano Ronaldo
