MX23RW : Thursday, December 15 14:04:57| >> :60:248:248:

Carlo Ancelotti defends Cristiano Ronaldo amid recent criticism

Carlo Ancelotti defends Cristiano Ronaldo amid recent criticism
© Reuters
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says that he 'never had any problems' with Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that he 'never had any problems' with Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Bernabeu.

Ancelotti had Ronaldo for two seasons at the club during his first spell in charge, and the two individuals are believed to have formed a close relationship in Madrid.

The 37-year-old recently had his contract terminated by Manchester United following the explosive interview that he gave to Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Ronaldo's conduct at Man United this season caused a lot of controversy, with the Portugal international refusing to enter the field during a Premier League contest with Tottenham Hotspur.

The attacker was heavily critical of the 20-time English champions during his discussion with Morgan, and Man United were forced to act due to the nature of the interview.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on the substitutes' bench before the match on December 7, 2022© Reuters

Meanwhile, Portugal boss Fernando Santos recently criticised Ronaldo for his reaction to being substituted against South Korea in the national side's final group match at the 2022 World Cup.

The number seven was then dropped to the bench for the last-16 clash with Switzerland, and the European side thrived in his absence, running out 6-1 winners.

Ex-Red Devils captain Gary Neville was recently critical of his former teammate, claiming that he needs to stop "the petulance" and "the sulking".

On Thursday, a report from Record claimed that Ronaldo had threatened to leave the Portugal camp after learning that he would not start against Switzerland.

However, both the national team and the player firmly denied that was the case.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Ghana at the World Cup on November 24, 2022© Reuters

Ancelotti was full of praise for Ronaldo when asked about the free agent, claiming that he was 'never a problem' during their time together in the Spanish capital.

"Ronaldo probably still feels in his 20s because he's fine, he's got the answers he's looking for in his body," Ancelotti told Corriere dello Sport. "The competition has become tough.

"I've coached him (Ronaldo) for two years and there were no problems. In fact he solved them for me. Cristiano trains well, he pays attention to detail, everything was easy for me to manage. He is an exceptional player."

Ronaldo is believed to be determined to continue his career in European football, but it is understood that the only firm offer for his services at this stage has come from Saudi Arabia.

ID:501626:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5367:

Cristiano Ronaldo future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Piers Morgan

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring for PSV on October 6, 2022
Read Next:
Real Madrid 'will not move for Gakpo, Leao in January'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
World Cup fixtures header 3
Saturday, December 17
 
3pm
Third-Place Playoff
Croatia
vs.
Morocco
Sunday, December 18
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona1412113352837
2Real Madrid14112133141935
3Real Sociedad148241917226
4Real BetisBetis147341712524
5Atletico MadridAtletico147342114724
6Athletic Bilbao1473424141024
7Osasuna147251614223
8Rayo Vallecano146442016422
9Villarreal146351510521
10Mallorca145451313019
11Valencia145452215719
12Real ValladolidValladolid145271321-817
13Almeria145181622-616
14GironaGirona144462022-216
15Getafe143561220-814
16Celta Vigo143381426-1212
17Espanyol142661622-612
18CadizCadiz14257926-1711
19Sevilla142571322-911
20ElcheElche1404101031-214

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!