Cristiano Ronaldo claims he would be "happy" to see Arsenal win the Premier League if it can't be Manchester United.
The Red Devils weren't fancied to challenge for the title and already look to be out of the race, sitting 11 points off the summit after 14 games. Meanwhile Arsenal are sat top of the pile having surprised many with their blistering start to the campaign as they look to end a near two-decade title drought.
Ronaldo was brought back to Manchester to help the club achieve their aim of returning to the summit of English football, but things have gone badly wrong. The forward has been marginalised under Erik ten Hag and could have talked his way into being sacked after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Morgan himself is an avid Arsenal fan - as well as a massive defender of Ronaldo - and asked the player if he wants the Gunners to claim the league come May.
Ronaldo said on TalkTV : "I hope so," before adding: "Manchester first, and if not, Arsenal is some team that I like to see play. I like the team. I like the coach. I think they have a good team. And if Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, I will be happy if Arsenal do."
Morgan has already suggested Ronaldo, were he to leave Old Trafford after the World Cup, would be an ideal signing for Mikel Arteta, but doesn't expect him to do it. He said on Twitter when asked about a potential move: "He’s exactly what we need. Cristiano and Gabriel Jesus would take us to the title."
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Morgan's programme gave Ronaldo the platform to air several of his issues, after he'd remained silent for months amid talk of his Manchester exit. The player had missed pre-season and shown his frustration at his new role under Ten Hag, but addressed both matters.
Ronaldo explained that his absence from the club's preparations before the season was due to his child being ill, which meant he opted to remain with his family. The 37-year-old has now accused club bosses of not believing his reasons in his sensational interview.
He also claimed he "regretted" walking out early in the win over Tottenham, but blamed Ten Hag for his role in the saga. “I will be honest with you, it’s something that I regret to leave from the stadium,” he added “Probably, or maybe no, I don’t know. It’s difficult to tell you 100% but let’s say I regret, but in the same way I felt provoked by the coach.
"Not allowed for me, a coach to put me in three minutes in a game. Sorry, I’m not that kind of player. I know what I can give to the teams.”
