Ronaldo defended over "ugly" criticism from ex-team-mates - "they were s***"

Fabio Coentrao claims some of Cristiano Ronaldo 's "sh*t" former team-mates have been handing out "ugly" criticism.

The former Real Madrid defender played alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for several years in the Spanish capital and has seen how the situation at Manchester United played out. The forward has copped plenty of criticism, particularly in recent months, but has now left Old Trafford.

A host of former players had weighed in with their opinions, but Coentrao claims they haven't got the standing to make such comments. Ronaldo's conduct off the pitch was highlighted as were his leadership qualities, but his former team-mate hailed the 37-year-old as an individual.

He told Relevo : "I don't feel motivated to talk but I had to because I don't like to hear what they say about Cristiano. There are ex-players who were nothing, they were sh*t, and they talk about Cristiano as if they were something [in football]. They don't have to talk like that.

"Even if he's not performing at his level, it's pretty ugly. People start talking about him, saying he gets along badly with his team-mates and things get misinterpreted. It's a horrible thing, I know how he is. I lived with him for many years and he doesn't have to tell me how things are: I know. It's impossible that Cristiano doesn't get along with Bruno [Fernandes] or with one of his team-mates, [because he is a] fantastic person."

Ronaldo is now looking for a new club after he and United parted ways. It always looked inevitable that the player would leave after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The player took aim at several key individuals at the club and didn't hold back with his criticism.

Where will Ronaldo go next? Tell us what you think here.

Fernandes, who sparked rumours of a rift when footage emerged of him appearing to snub Ronaldo, has claimed it was a "dream" to play with the forward but respects that he has chosen to take his career in a different direction.

He said: "It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that. I haven't discussed the topic with Cris. We're all focused on the national team and the World Cup. I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.

"We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn't tell me about his decision. It's a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven't talked about it. Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup."

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