ANTHONY ELANGA understands Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of young players but is adamant he gives 100 per cent.
Ronaldo was critical of the attitude of some young players in the Manchester United squad, particularly their lack of willingness to learn from senior stars.
Elanga accepted there are plenty of distractions for the new generation, but assured his team-mate that he has not lost focus.
Responding to Ronaldo’s comments, Elanga told Aftonbladet: “Cristiano talks about young players in general. We are a new generation.
“I am always 100 per cent focused on what I am doing, but I can understand what he is saying.
“There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It’s quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
“I always focus 100 per cent on my job and what I do. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.”
Ronaldo accused young players of not listening to instructions and is surprised they do not try to learn from him and other senior pros.
Ronaldo said in his interview with Piers Morgan: “All leagues in the world, the youngest now, they are not the same as my generation. But we cannot blame them because it’s part of life, you know.
“The new generation and the new technologies that distract them for another thing so… But they are not the same.
Most read in Football
PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
“They listen but this is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side.
“It doesn’t surprise me. But in the same way it’s a shame because if they have the best examples in front of your eyes, and if they don’t at least copy what you did, for me, it’s kind of weird.
“I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players in [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Rio] Ferdinand, Roy Keane and [Ryan] Giggs – this is why I have the success that I have and longevity.
“Because I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
