Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand feels the club won’t take Cristiano Ronaldo back after his controversial comments in an interview with Piers Morgan for talkSport. Ronaldo revealed that he doesn’t respect the team’s manager Erik Ten Hag as the Dutchman doesn’t respect him.

The Portuguese admitted that the top executives at the club didn’t want and he felt betrayed by the management. Furthermore, Ronaldo went on to reveal that the club doubted him when he could not join the team in the preseason as his daughter was ill.

Ferdinand feels the love affair between Ronaldo and Manchester United is now over after such an explosive interview.

Speaking on Vibe with Five podcast, “You can’t sit here and defend that from Cristiano Ronaldo. Deep down and I know it for a fact, this has all been manufactured for one thing – and that’s for him to leave the club,” said Ferdinand.

“This love affair with Man United that Cristiano has had is over in my eyes. I don’t feel there’s any way back, I don’t feel the club will take him back and I don’t think that he wants to come back. This is all manufactured for that reason. Up to this interview I would defend him, and say the club have a big responsibility to communicate better,” Ferdinand added.

On the other hand, Manchester United also released a statement after Ronaldo’s interview. The club revealed that they will give their response after the full facts will be established.

“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,” the statement read.

Ronaldo will now lead Portugal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and they will begin their campaign against Ghana on November 24.