Manchester United attacker Anthony Elanga has said that he 'understands' teammate Cristiano Ronaldo's comments on young players in modern football.
During his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Ronaldo claimed that young footballers in the current game struggle to listen to advice.
"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," Ronaldo told Morgan.
"The new generation and the new technologies that distract them for another thing so, but they are not the same. 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."
© Reuters
Elanga has said that he 'understands' Ronaldo's comments, and the forward has also insisted that his teammate's recent interview has not changed his opinion of the Portuguese.
"Cristiano talks about young players in general. We are a new generation. I am always 100% focused on what I am doing, but I can understand what he is saying," Elanga told Aftonbladet.
"There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It's quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus. I always focus 100% on my job and what I do. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.
"He means a lot to me. He has helped me a lot not only on the pitch but off it as well. He is an inspiration, not only to me but to all the young players at United. Sometimes it's just me and him at the gym.
© Reuters
"No, not so much (has his opinion changed following Ronaldo's interview). Because when I'm with him, he hasn't changed. He is still Cristiano Ronaldo to me. He has helped me a lot."
Elanga spoke after representing Sweden in a friendly with Mexico on Wednesday, playing 69 minutes of what proved to be a 2-1 victory for the European side.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is currently with the Portugal squad preparing for the 2022 World Cup.
Man United are allegedly preparing to terminate the 37-year-old's contract following his interview with Morgan, which became apparent on Sunday night, hours after the team had beaten Fulham in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes, who is a teammate of Ronaldo's at both club and international level, has also said that he has no issues with the number seven.
England
USA
Wales
Iran
