Cristiano Ronaldo, in his explosive Talk TV interview, which took in several topics – including his thoughts on former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the devastating loss of his baby boy Angel and how close he came to joining Manchester City in 2021, has complained that young players have it too easy and don’t listen to his advice.
The Portugal forward said: ‘I don’t think that they don’t respect the more experienced players or the older players, but they live in a different era. I can say that for my kid that’s 12 years old, the mentality is not the same.
‘Their hunger [is different]. I think they have things more easily, everything’s easy, they don’t suffer – and they don’t care.
‘I don’t mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngsters are not the same of my generation. But you cannot blame them, because it’s part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them.
‘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, because I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players in Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Giggs – this is why I have the success that I have and longevity.
‘I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.’
Ronaldo could only single out three players from the current squad after being asked which players he admires.
He said: ‘In Manchester United I can mention Dalot, he’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.’
Despite his public fall-out with the club, Ronaldo insists he remains an example for younger players to follow.
He added: ‘I’m not the kind of guy who likes to give advice as I prefer to be an example.
‘Because I’m an example. I’m there every morning and do the same stuff. I’m probably the first one to arrive and the last one to go out. I think the details speak for itself… This is why I say, I like to lead by example.’
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
