Mikel Obi has had his say on the Cristiano Ronaldo/Manchester United saga and accused the Portuguese superstar of being egoistic.
Ronaldo had his Manchester United contract terminated on Tuesday, one week after he did a television interview in which he accused the club of betraying him and verbally attacked coach Erik ten Hag as well as former teammates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel said yesterday that Ronaldo allowed his big ego to cloud his judgement.
“I’ve never been a Ronaldo fan really. For me, when a player has so much ego, I don’t really get it,” Mikel, who rejected Manchester United to sign for Chelsea 16 years ago, told Dubai Eye radio.
“He’s never been one of my favourite players and that’s why I always go for Messi really.”
Ronaldo, 37, has to find a new club after Portugal’s participation at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and Mikel believes potential suitors might be hesitant because of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s attitude.
The former Real Madrid star refused to come on as a late substitute for United in their win over Tottenham Hotspur in October and walked out of the stadium while the match was still being played.
Ronaldo was suspended for one match but returned afterwards to start four straight games and was even made captain for one of those matches.
Yet afterwards he gave the damaging interview that left his place at Manchester United untenable.
Mikel feels clubs will be wary of signing the superstar.
“Definitely (clubs will be hesitant), if someone comes out and gives such an interview what makes you think if he sings for your club in January he wouldn’t do the same,” noted Mikel, who won several trophies at Chelsea, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
“Every club is gonna be aware of that. But listen he is Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s one of the greatest players ever to have played the game.
“I think he’s going to get another club in January and continue his career. For me it’s just a horrible scenario because he’s done so much for the club and to see it end this way is just horrible, really.
“On his part, I think that interview shouldn’t have been done. Wrong timing as well. it’s just not right. It doesn’t look right for such a player that has achieved so much in the game.”
Ronaldo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in his first spell at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, but Mikel suspects he might have harmed his legacy at the club with his recent actions.
When asked if Ronaldo has tarnished his legacy at United, Mikel replied: “I think a little bit. Even his fans right now, a lot of them don’t agree with the interview. It’s very hard for them to defend him.”
Ronaldo’s second spell at United did not go as planned as the club finished sixth in the Premier League last season despite his 18 goals.
He had only three goals in 16 outings this term before falling out with Ten Hag and the hierarchy.
