- Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly expressed disappointment over Cristiano Ronaldo’s unceremonious departure, citing the missed opportunity for significant contributions
- Bailly hailed Ronaldo as the world’s best player and emphasized that a player of Ronaldo’s stature deserved to feel valued and important
Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has expressed his disappointment at the unceremonious end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Old Trafford.
In an interview with The Athletic, Bailly, hailing Ronaldo as the world’s best player, lamented the missed opportunity for the Portugal captain to contribute significantly to the team.
According to the Ivory Coast star, Ronaldo deserved to feel valued and important during his stint with Manchester United. The termination of Ronaldo’s contract came after he criticized manager Erik ten Hag, some Red Devils stars, and the club during an interview with Piers Morgan over a year ago.
“Cristiano Ronaldo returned, the legend coming back. He was the best player in the world for me,” said Bailly.
“Even upon his return, Cristiano contributed significantly to the club, and a player of his stature deserves to feel important. It’s a shame he left under the circumstances he did.”
Bailly’s comments highlight the sentiment surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and the missed potential for his continued impact on the team. The fallout from the contract termination still resonates, reflecting the challenges and complexities within the football world.
Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes List as Highest-Paid Footballer in 2023
Forbes has declared Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid footballer and athlete globally for the year 2023. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s financial success soared after joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in December, following the termination of his contract with Manchester United. Ronaldo’s substantial earnings of €235 million include wages, endorsement deals, and bonuses.
Notably, other prominent players such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane, who also made moves to Saudi Pro League clubs in the previous summer, experienced significant boosts in their earnings, securing spots in the top ten rankings.
In the second position, Ronaldo’s long-time career rival, Lionel Messi, earned the second-highest amount in 2023 after making a move from Paris Saint Germain to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Messi, a 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, accrued his income through wages, bonuses, and endorsement deals.