Cristiano Ronaldo said his Manchester United struggles were 'part of my growth' and said he is a better man because of them, as he spoke publicly about his exit from the club for the first time.
Ronaldo's United contract was mutually terminated last year following an incendiary two-part interview with Piers Morgan that was broadcast on TalkTV.
In it, Ronaldo criticised United's owners, the Glazer family, as well as manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo was not a regular fixture in United's team under Ten Hag, with the manager preferring Anthony Martial as his main striker on the occasions when the Frenchman was fit earlier on in the season.
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Speaking at a Portugal press conference ahead of their games in this international break, Ronaldo said of his United struggles: "Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side. I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets. Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.
"When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below. Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man."
Ronaldo had only previously addressed his United exit in a social media statement confirming the mutual termination of his contract last November. When asked about his departure from United during the World Cup, he would only say: "This chapter is closed."
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his exit from United, and has scored nine goals in 10 appearances for his new club.
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