Manchester United’s Rafael Varane says players are affected by Cristiano Ronaldo saga: Obviously it affects us

Manchester United defender Rafael Varane has said the players are affected by Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of the club. The Portuguese forward criticized Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

Varane says players are affected by Ronaldo’s criticism (Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Manchester United defender Rafael Varane has said the players are affected by Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of the club. The Portuguese forward criticized Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

Speaking to French radio station Europe1, Varane admitted that the saga surrounding Ronaldo has affected the players.

“Obviously, it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said,” said Varane.

The French defender said the players try not to get too involved and try to calm the situation down in their own way.

“We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it. What is happening in the media in the big clubs is gaining momentum. When it’s a star like Ronaldo, even more, so we try to take it with distance, that is to say that we do not try to change the situation alone, we are part of a collective,” Varane added.

The former Real Madrid centre-back said he wants the best for his team and will accept whatever decision the club comes to.

“What I want is the best for my team, so whatever the decision, as players, we’ll accept it and give the best of ourselves,” said Varane.

Earlier, former Manchester United defender and Ronaldo’s friend Rio Ferdinand had said he couldn’t sit there and defend Ronaldo’s interview.

“You can’t sit here and defend that from Cristiano Ronaldo. Deep down and I know it for a fact, this has all been manufactured for one thing – and that’s for him to leave the club,” said Ferdinand on the Vibe with Five podcast.

“Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed,” said Ronaldo, when asked whether United’s hierarchy was trying to push him out of the club. “Yes, I feel betrayed, and I felt some people don’t want me here, not just this year, but last year too,” the Portuguese said in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV.