Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a response to being dropped from the Manchester United squad as punishment for his antics during their 2-0 win over Tottenham.
The Portuguese forward stormed off before full time having been an unused substitute throughout Wednesday night. United later confirmed on Thursday that Ronaldo would not be involved in their trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
Ronaldo asked to leave Old Trafford in the summer but was unsuccessful, with a renewed push expected to come in January.
He posted on Instagram: “As I’ve always done throughout my career, I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, my adversaries and my coaches. That hasn’t changed. I haven’t changed. I’m the same person and the same professional that I’ve been for the last 20 years playing elite football, and respect has always played a very important role in my decision-making process.
“I started very young, the older and most experienced players examples were always very important to me. Therefore, later on, I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented. Unfortunately that’s not always possible and sometimes the heat of the moment get’s the best of us.
“Right now, I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington, support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
