Former Manchester United star Nani has defended Cristiano Ronaldo’s wish to leave the club, claiming that his countryman’s “reaction is normal.”
Following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave United and possibly join a club where he can compete for trophies right away.
Some Manchester United fans have been left disappointed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior, but his former teammate Nani understands where he is coming from.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's VIBE WITH FIVE Podcast, Nani claimed that Ronaldo didn’t have the time to waste on an under-construction project.
Explaining why it was 'normal' for the 37-year-old to hand in his transfer request, the Melbourne Victory winger said (via Goal):
“It’s a long time since we played together and Cristiano is not a kid anymore. Times change and the reactions and attitude can change as well. But, as we see, he’s doing the same things as usual; he doesn’t like to lose, he reacts when the team is not doing well."
He continued:
“But the only difference is that it’s different times. He’s playing again at Man United but he’s been all over the world doing well at different teams with different players. He’s in a team where the managers are trying to build a strong team and it’s not easy, it takes time.”
Nani added:
“For Cristiano, he doesn’t have time to lose on building teams or waiting for the next season. He wants to continue to be at the top, scoring goals, being the man. That’s why the reaction is normal, we all have the wrong reactions sometimes.”
Cristiano Ronaldo featured in 38 games for Manchester United across competitions in the 2021-22 campaign, recording 24 goals. His current contract runs until June 2023 but there is an option to extend it for an additional year.
Nani highlights the main problem with Manchester United
Nani, who scored 41 goals and laid out 73 assists in 230 games for United, believes Erik ten Hag’s side have a severe deficiency of hunger. The former Portugal international claimed that the players were afraid to “get sweaty” and did not put in their 100%.
Commenting on the club’s current state, the 35-year-old said:
“I don’t like to talk too much, I don’t talk about players but you can see there is no hunger, there is no attitude or desire to win in the club. You have a lot of talented players but they don't want to get tired. If I had to get sweaty to win, I would. They prefer to not sweat.”
Having endured two consecutive defeats in their first two Premier League fixtures (Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford), Manchester United are set to square off against Liverpool on matchday three. It will be interesting to see if they can come up with a reply against one of the best teams in the division.
vendie70
1
not only he...we the fans doesnt have to lose too.....
Meddiopt
1
It was your teacher who promoted you, and now it was you who made you fall back. This is his seat. But R7 should go to Manchester City. It's my opinion
Shauny300
0
lol and compare England with spain?
Spain have been dominating England for years lmao EPL is just overrated smh y'all need to drop this myth
Weebdoruyz
0
if cr7 is a true he should not run away rather prove himself. leo Messi did it at barca and still won Spanish or copa delrey with wack team that that could barely attack without Messi. if he leaves United that simply means there's nothing special about him.
lol and compare England with spain?
Biddekopsy
1
if cr7 is a true he should not run away rather prove himself. leo Messi did it at barca and still won Spanish or copa delrey with wack team that that could barely attack without Messi. if he leaves United that simply means there's nothing special about him.
sesbdlmotu
0
Nani just tell your friend or who ever you call him to leave the club,,,,
1ngram4
0
What were they rebuilding last season ? even if you’re rebuilding you should be fast and tackle the most important position. during Jan transfer window United didn’t buy a single player … so how has that been a rebuild , That was the vision of ETH when he arrives but the board and owners are making it so difficult for him .
Last season was the season Ronaldo joined, your question should be what were they rebuilding the season before.. They were rebuilding the squad, signing younger players and getting closer to finals, finishing in the top four and making CL on a regular (3 out of 4 seasons, before Ronaldo joined 2nd, 6th, 3rd, 2nd).. It was obvious they were in a rebuilding phase, what was he expecting, that United were titles challengers?? It was so obvious to the world United were no wherever near title challengers yet.. And now they’re even in a worse position with him.. United didn’t buy a player in Jan cause Ralf was temporary, there’s no guarantee the players would be in the new manager’s plans… Ralf’s job was to steady the ship..
Iconwonder
0
At least someone that has sense have spoken… what kind of rebuild is that ? when using the same flop as captain? the boards and owners making it worst and frustrating, so stagnant in getting the players for the most essential positions…
Iconwonder
0
So why did he come??… United were obviously rebuilding, everyone could see that
What were they rebuilding last season ? even if you’re rebuilding you should be fast and tackle the most important position. during Jan transfer window United didn’t buy a single player … so how has that been a rebuild , That was the vision of ETH when he arrives but the board and owners are making it so difficult for him .
1ngram4
0
Who your father destroyed you by giving you birth as an useless son can't achieve anything in life but only pointing fingers at someone
Bringing his father into a conversation all because of someone who doesn’t even know you.. You lots never cease to amaze me🤦♂️
Beoacioz
0
Yes he can go but the main problem is where is he helding to after man united, cos its seem no team want to come for him. Maybe he should go to Sporting Lisbon, but the fact remain is can Sporting remain in the champions leaugue till knockout stage...
keep dreaming
1ngram4
0
Nani is absolutely right Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't have time for building and waiting for the next season cos he knows very well that he will be able to give only just few season
So why did he come??… United were obviously rebuilding, everyone could see that
sesbdlmotu
2
Ronaldo must leave as he wish please
vobblnoy
2
Nani is absolutely right Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't have time for building and waiting for the next season cos he knows very well that he will be able to give only just few season
vobblnoy
0
Team destroyer
Who your father destroyed you by giving you birth as an useless son can't achieve anything in life but only pointing fingers at someone
momenhuda
0
Why he leave Juv?
lembcknost
0
Yes he can go but the main problem is where is he helding to after man united, cos its seem no team want to come for him. Maybe he should go to Sporting Lisbon, but the fact remain is can Sporting remain in the champions leaugue till knockout stage...
that is what you think
Don Zayo
0
Team destroyer
Whiles your club destroys players
Bezcdmnopt
4
Team destroyer
YormGokah
1
Something's cooking 👀
penalob
0
Yes he can go but the main problem is where is he helding to after man united, cos its seem no team want to come for him. Maybe he should go to Sporting Lisbon, but the fact remain is can Sporting remain in the champions leaugue till knockout stage...