RAPHAEL VARANE has become the first Manchester United star to break his silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview.
Talking to Piers Morgan, Ronaldo blasted his club’s ambition and infrastructure while also claiming to have “no respect” for boss Erik ten Hag.
The Ronaldo interview has sent shockwaves through the football world, with the strongest felt at United by players and staff.
There has so far been radio silence from the Red Devils, with most of the team backing Ten Hag.
SunSport can also reveal that behind the scenes, United are now ready to terminate Ronaldo’s contract.
But France star Varane has decided to have his say on the incident, having also played with Ronnie for years at Real Madrid.
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He admits the veteran’s interview has “obviously affected” United’s players.
And the only solution Varane and his teammates can take is to “distance” themselves as Ronaldo sorts out his future with the club.
Varane said: “Obviously it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said.
“We try to calm the situation in our own way, we try not to get too involved in it.
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“When it’s a star like Cristiano Ronaldo, even more, so we try to take it with distance, that is to say that we do not try to change the situation alone, we are part of a collective.
“What I want is the best for my team so whatever the decision, as a player, we will accept it and give the best of ourselves.”
Meanwhile, former club Sporting Lisbon have denied a return for Ronaldo this winter.
That’s despite being strongly linked with a move should he become a free agent.
Sporting chief Frederico Varandas said: “He will always be the reference of Sporting’s academy and the best Portuguese player ever.
“There are several ways to be at Sporting stadium. Now, I’m not going to make noise.
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“If Ruben Amorim vetoed the return? Of course not. It was never even a topic of was on the table.
“There was never a conversation with me. This topic never existed, I know it sells a lot in the press.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
