Ex Portugal Star Fabio Coentrao Jumps to the Defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Blasts Rooney and Other Critics

• Former Portugal and Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao has called out Cristiano Ronaldo's critics following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan
• Ronaldo's interview with the British broadcaster has ruffled the feathers of former teammates, particularly Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville
• The 37-year-old's now infamous interview has rendered him club less, after agreeing to prematurely terminate his contract at Man United

Fabio Coentrao has lashed out at the 'ugly' criticisms of Cristiano Ronaldo following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

Cristiano Ronaldo has come under serious scrutiny particularly from former footballers for the way he has conducted himself this season at Manchester United this season.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner severed ties with United on the back of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan that saw him slam the club, Erik ten Hag and the Glazers.

The explosive nature of Ronaldo's interview has invited criticism from a number of his former teammates particularly Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney, as noted by Mirror.

A list of footballers with autism in the world right now

Football

However, Coentrao, who played alongside Ronaldo both at Real Madrid and for Portugal, has spoken out on the criticism Ronaldo has faced for his interview and for walking off the bench early in United's victory over Tottenham.

"I don't feel motivated to talk but I had to because I don't like to hear what they say about Cristiano," Coentrao told Portuguese news outlet Record PT as quoted by Daily Mail.

"There are ex-players who were nothing, they were [expletive], and they talk about Cristiano as if they were something [in football]. They don't have to talk like that.

"Even if he's not performing at his level, it's pretty ugly. People start talking about him, saying he gets along badly with his teammates and things get misinterpreted.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals: 15 of the best CR7 goals and Cristiano Ronaldo assists last season

Football

"It's a horrible thing, I know how he is. I lived with him for many years and he doesn't have to tell me how things are: I know.

"It's impossible that Cristiano doesn't get along with Bruno [Fernandes] or with one of his team-mates, [because he is a] fantastic person.'

Zlatan makes a mockery of Ronaldo

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took a characteristic 'Ibrahimovic jibe' at Cristiano Ronaldo over his explosive comments on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

Ronaldo made a series of jaw-dropping remarks in the interview, while also trolling his former teammate Wayne Rooney.

Rooney had in the past commented about Ronaldo's behaviour this season at Manchester United, to which Ronaldo responded that perhaps Rooney was jealous cause he was still playing at a high level while Rooney had long retired.

Man United cut ties with Cristiano

Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial second spell at Manchester United is to end with "immediate effect", the Premier League giants announced Tuesday.

Beth Mead's net worth: How much is Beth Mead worth as of now?

Football

The Portugal forward appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford following a recent television interview in which he said he felt "betrayed" by the club and had no respect for new manager Erik ten Hag.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," said a United statement.