Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United Star Releases Statement After He Was Dropped From First Team Squad

• Cristiano Ronaldo has blamed emotions for his action of walking off the pitch during Manchester United's clash against Tottenham Hotspur
• Ronaldo has been exiled from first team training following his actions, as his frustrations continue to pile up
• The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has vowed to keep working hard as he dismissed claims of disrespect

Cristiano Ronaldo has released a statement on his social media pages following his fallout with Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo walked off the pitch during Manchester United's clash against Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly in protest of remaining an unused substitute.

The Daily Mail reports that Ronaldo refused to come on when ten Hag wanted to sub him on and instead, stormed off the pitch before the final whistle.

On Thursday, United released a statement revealing that Ronaldo had been dropped from the squad ahead of the Red Devils' game against Chelsea this Saturday.

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Ronaldo has now responded via social media in a statement that reads in part:

"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."

"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."

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Ronaldo reportedly wanted to quit Manchester United earlier in the summer, but a move out was blocked by the club. It would be interesting to see what will now happen in January following the latest developments.

Ronaldo banished from first-team training

Sports Brief had earlier reported that in a surprising move, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been banished from the first-team squad after refusing to come on against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo shockingly walked off the pitch and went straight to the dressing room, eliciting mixed reactions from fans on social media.

Ronaldo has been in and out of the team this season, and one could sense trouble brewing after manager Erik ten Hag said he didn't want to bring the Portuguese on, out of respect for his big career.