Cristiano Ronaldo’s Rocky Relationship with Erik ten Hag: The Earring that Started it All
When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for the second time under a cloud, many assumed it was due to the Portuguese superstar’s desire to move on from the Old Trafford club. However, fresh details have emerged which suggest that the breakdown in his relationship with Erik ten Hag was rooted in something much more trivial – an earring.
Ronaldo spent two spells at United, with his second stint ending in a stormy fashion. Despite scoring 24 goals in the 2021/22 season, the summer arrival of Ten Hag marked the beginning of the end. A bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, where Ronaldo criticized several aspects of the club and Ten Hag, ultimately led to the termination of his contract by mutual consent.
In a recent podcast with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo opened up about his time at United, reaffirming his love for the club and acknowledging that things were changing behind the scenes, something he had been critical of. However, in a shocking revelation, Manchester Evening News has reported that Ronaldo’s decision to wear an earring in training was the cause of early friction between him and Ten Hag.
According to sources, Ten Hag had instructed his players not to wear jewelry, a policy that was a departure from previous managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Ronaldo’s response to being approached by Steve McClaren to resolve the issue was to throw his £1,000 earrings into a bush. Looking back, this incident appears to have marked the beginning of the end of Ronaldo’s time at United.
The earring controversy may seem like a minor issue, but it highlights the differences in attitude and approach between Ronaldo and Ten Hag. The former is known for his free-spirited nature and willingness to express himself on and off the pitch, while the latter is renowned for his strict discipline and attention to detail.
Ultimately, the earring controversy serves as a reminder that even the smallest of disputes can have significant consequences in the world of professional football. As Ronaldo moves on to pastures new, it’s clear that he still holds a special place in his heart for United, but the question remains – can the club find a way to rebuild and move forward without their biggest star?
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