“They were sh*t” - When ex-Real Madrid star defended Cristiano Ronaldo amid ‘ugly’ comments from former players after Manchester United return

Former Real Madrid star Fabio Coentrao slammed Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammates for their 2022 criticism of the Portuguese superstar. He claimed they were going overboard, saying their words were taking an ugly turn.

Speaking to Relevo just days after Ronaldo had his contract terminated at Manchester United, Coentrao said the former players were going overboard with their comments. The former Real Madrid defender hit out at them, saying they were never good enough on the pitch, and said:

"I don't feel motivated to talk, but I had to because I don't like to hear what they say about Cristiano. There are ex-players who were nothing, they were sh*t, and they talk about Cristiano as if they were something [in football]. They don't have to talk like that." "Even if he's not performing at his level, it's pretty ugly. People start talking about him, saying he gets along badly with his team-mates and things get misinterpreted. It's a horrible thing, I know how he is. I lived with him for many years and he doesn't have to tell me how things are: I know. It's impossible that Cristiano doesn't get along with Bruno [Fernandes] or with one of his team-mates, [because he is a] fantastic person."

Bruno Fernandes was quick to downplay the rumors of him having issues with Cristiano Ronaldo. He said that they were focused on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and had not discussed the contract termination.

Gary Neville slammed former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

Gary Neville was furious with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar left Old Trafford even before his teammates got back to the dressing room in October 2022. The Englishman said that it was best for the former Real Madrid star to leave terminate his contract at Manchester United and leave, saying on Sky Sports' MNF (via M.E.N):

"That's the second time Cristiano Ronaldo has left Old Trafford and got in his car before his team have got back into the changing room. I have to say, as someone in the dressing room, it's something that's unacceptable. When you look at whether Cristiano should be selected, Manchester United are better without him - and Erik ten Hag knows that." "The only thing that Cristiano and the club can do is get together in the next week and end the relationship. Cristiano is too good of a player, too fantastic of a character and the club have got to move on."

Cristiano Ronaldo eventually terminated his contract at Manchester United following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, where he attacked the club and the manager. The former Real Madrid forward joined Al-Nassr in 2022, where he has extended his deal until 2027.

Edited by Sripad