Southampton star Theo Walcott has likened Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan to France legend Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup final headbutt.
Since information about his interview with Piers Morgan was made public on Sunday, the Portugal star has generated controversy. During the 90-minute interview, the 37-year-old claims that Manchester United “betrayed” him and that he no longer “respects” manager Erik ten Hag.
Along with criticizing his former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, Ronaldo also attacked Manchester United’s owners, the Glazers, saying they “don’t care about the club.”
Given that the entire interview will air on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford seems bleak.
The Ronaldo-Zidane moment
Southampton’s Theo Walcott compared Zidane’s infamous headbutt during France’s 2006 World Cup final loss to Italy to Ronaldo’s interview.
Additionally, he insisted that the Manchester United forward must find a new team because he has damaged his reputation at Old Trafford.
Speaking to TalkSPORT Walcott said: “Cristiano Ronaldo, for me, has been one of the most outstanding players I’ve ever seen in this generation obviously along with [Lionel] Messi – but he’s got to move.
“For me, he’s obviously got something already that he’s planning to do and I just feel it’s a shame, it’s that legacy that people are just going to remember this now.
“It’s like when I think of Zidane, I always think of the headbutt, I don’t know what it is, and think that now with Ronaldo and what he’s done here.”
One of the most memorable World Cup moments was when Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It was the mysterious Frenchman’s final act as a professional football player.
Walcott added: “[Ronaldo’s] obviously exposed himself before the World Cup, he’s put it all about him. It’s what Cristiano does, which is why he’s been so good for so many years.
“He’ll thrive going to this World Cup because people will be talking about him, people will be expecting to shine and he probably will because that’s what Ronaldo does.”
Manchester United release statement responding to damning Cristiano Ronaldo interview
Following the publication of Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview on Sunday night, Manchester United has issued a statement.
Ronaldo criticized the team, his former teammate Wayne Rooney, the current manager Erik ten Hag, and the club in his interview with Piers Morgan.
The 37-year-old discussed his struggles at the end of the previous season and charged the team with lacking empathy.
Ronaldo added that he believed the team had betrayed him.
United has now responded by issuing a formal statement. It states: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
