Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has finally admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial interview has hit hard on his team-mates National Daily can confirm.
Ronaldo has in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan accused United of ‘betraying’ him while also admitting that he has ‘no respect’ for the Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, National Daily understands that ten Hag in response, has reportedly explained to the United board that the 37-year-old should not play for the club again.
Ronaldo’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season with his agent Jorge Mendes talking to a number of clubs over finding a route out of Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
United players learned of Ronaldo’s comments on their way back to Manchester following Sunday’s win over Fulham with many of them since joining up with their national teams ahead of the World Cup which begins this weekend.
France international Varane was quizzed on Ronaldo’s comments on Tuesday night, revealing this week’s developments have ‘affected’ the group.
Varane and Ronaldo were also team-mates at Real Madrid
Varane speaking to Europe1 expressed: ‘Obviously it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said’.
‘We try to ease the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it.
‘What is happening at the media level in the big clubs is gaining a lot of momentum. When it’s a star like Cristiano Ronaldo, even more.’
United are now said to be considering a number of next steps, one which could be terminating Ronaldo’s contract if they conclude they have legal grounds to do so.
With a number of club legends admitting Ronaldo’s time at the club is now up, Varane says the squad will accept whatever decision is made by the manager and the board.
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‘What I want is the best for my team so whatever the decision, as a player, we will accept it and we will give the best of ourselves.’