John Obi Mikel has made it clear he is no fan of Cristiano Ronaldo and warned his former club Chelsea over a move for the free agent striker.
Ronaldo, 37, has now left Old Trafford after his second stint with United ended in acrimonious circumstances. New manager Erik ten Hag had opted to use the Portugal skipper sparingly, preferring to place him on the bench. The former Real Madrid man was clearly a frustrated figure and things came to a head in a now infamous interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo slated the club, saying he had no respect for Ten Hag while taking aim at the club’s owners, the Glazers. And it seemed as though the writing was on the wall once the TalkTV interview aired.
The north-west giants terminated his contract earlier his week and speculation has been rife as to where he will end up next.
Chelsea have been linked while a few other European heavyweights look set to enter the race.
Many pundits have reacted to the way he conducted himself towards the end of his United career.
Mikel has now had his say on the matter. And the man who made 372 Blues appearances pulled no punches when revealing his thoughts on the veteran forward.
“I’ve never been a Ronaldo fan really,” he told Dubai Eye. “For me, when a player has so much ego, I don’t really get it.
“He’s never been one of my favourite players and that’s why I always go for [Lionel] Messi really.”
Mikel warns clubs over Ronaldo pitfalls
Ronaldo managed to score 24 goals in all competittions for the Red Devils last season. But they missed out on Champions League qualification.
He has cut a forlorn figure in 2022-2023. And the ex-Nigeria captain has warned any suitors that they need to take caution when welcoming him to their club.
Mikel added: “I mean, if someone comes out and gives such an interview, what makes you think, if he signs for your club in January, he won’t do the same?
“So, I mean, every club is going to be aware of that. But listen, he is Cristiano Ronaldo; he’s one of the greatest players ever to have played the game.”
Mikel uneasy with Ronaldo interview
There is no question that Ronaldo will be considered as one of the greatest players of all time when the dust settles on his career.
And it is open to debate as to whether the United fans will think ill of the man who once graced the Theatre of Dreams.
Mikel is convinced that he will soon be back in action. But the African is unhappy with how things unfolded at United.
“I think he’s going to get another club in January and continue his football career,” he continued. “But for me, it’s just a horrible scenario, he’s done so much for the club, and to see it end this way, it’s just horrible.
“On his part really, I would say 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.”
