Raphael Varane says Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock interview ‘obviously affects’ his Man United team-mates as the Frenchman becomes the first to speak out… and insists they’ll ‘accept’ whatever decision is made over the Portuguese star’s future
Raphael Varane has admitted Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments ‘obviously affect’ his Manchester United team-mates as he became the first member of Erik ten Hag’s squad to speak publicly on the wantaway star’s incendiary interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese superstar said he felt ‘betrayed’ by United and ‘doesn’t respect’ manager Erik ten Hag, as he believes the Dutchman ‘doesn’t respect him’.
Varane, who has a long history with Ronaldo going back to their days playing alongside each other at Real Madrid, was asked to give his thoughts on Ronaldo’s claims.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked global headlines with his interview with Piers Morgan
Raphael Varane has become the first Manchester United player to speak out on Ronaldo’s interview
Varane said he would ‘accept’ whatever decision United take over Ronaldo’s interview
He told French radio station Europe 1: ‘Obviously it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said.
‘We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it.’
The defender, who is hoping to be fit in time for France’s World Cup opener against Australia next Wednesday, also said he would back whatever decision the club takes on the matter.
Varane said: ‘When it’s a star like Cristiano 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.
‘What I want is the best for my team so whatever the decision, as a player, we will accept it and give the best of ourselves.’
Ronaldo’s United team-mates reportedly were furious over his interview with Piers Morgan
According to the Mirror, Ronaldo’s team-mates do not want to return to training at United after the World Cup in Qatar.
The ‘majority’ of the squad have reportedly sided with Ten Hag and they believe reconciliation between the manager and the player is off the cards.
Ronaldo’s team-mates are also fed up of Ronaldo’s ‘whining over his perceived mistreatment’.