Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and he deserves to feel important.
The Ivorian International admitted that it was a shame how the Portugal International's second spell at Old Trafford ended following a disagreement with Erik ten Hag.
Bailly believes that the former Real Madrid star was the best player in the world and could have contributed more to Manchester United.
Eric Bailly seems not to be pleased with Cristiano Ronaldo's premature exit from Old Trafford after his second time came to an end just over a year ago.
What happened?
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced out of Man United in November 2022 after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan disrespecting multiple aspects of the English club, including manager Erik ten Hag.
Thereafter, the five-time UEFA Champions League winner moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and is currently feeling good with the Middle East club.
Taking about how Ronaldo's second stint at Man United ended, Bailly feels the Portuguese experience at Old Trafford was not befitting of his status under Ten Hag, as the center-back believes 'the best player in the world' shouldn't be so disrespected.
Ronaldo bagged 18 league goals in 30 matches in 2021-22 after his sensation returns to Old Trafford from Juventus, but fell out of favor after Ten Hag's was announced as United manager.
Speaking about Ronaldo's unceremonious departure from Manchester United, Bailly said; "Cristiano Ronaldo returned, the legend coming back. He was the best player in the world for me. Even when he returned, Cristiano contributed a lot to the club and a player like Cristiano deserves to feel important. It’s a shame he left in the circumstances he did.”
Eric Bailly played just five matches alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. They won two games, drew as many times, and lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City.
However, Bailly's career has taken a slow downward trajectory after joining the Red Devils in the summer of 2016.
Lack of playing time under Ten Hag saw him secure a move to Besiktas, but his contract with the Turkish powerhouse was terminated due to poor performances in 2023, less than four months after joining.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been amazing since joining Al-Nassr, being crowned 2023's top scorer with an outstanding 54 goals to his name for club and country.
Meanwhile, Man United have struggled without the Portuguese goal machine, at least this season.
Ten Hag's side ramble the joint-third-lowest goals scored tally in the league with 22 goals, alongside Crystal Palace, with only newly promoted clubs Burnley (20) and Sheffield United with 15 scoring fewer this season.
What's next for Eric Bailly and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eric Bailly joined Villarreal towards the end of 2023 after Besiktas terminated his contract. They cited a string of poor performances from the defender and ended his stay after just six months.
However, the defender will look to rebuild his career with the Spanish outfit, Villarreal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, will be looking forward to continuing his good performance with Al Nassr when the Riyad-based team lock horns against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on February 1st.
The Ivorian International admitted that it was a shame how the Portugal International's second spell at Old Trafford ended following a disagreement with Erik ten Hag.
Bailly believes that the former Real Madrid star was the best player in the world and could have contributed more to Manchester United.
Eric Bailly seems not to be pleased with Cristiano Ronaldo's premature exit from Old Trafford after his second time came to an end just over a year ago.
What happened?
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced out of Man United in November 2022 after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan disrespecting multiple aspects of the English club, including manager Erik ten Hag.
Thereafter, the five-time UEFA Champions League winner moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and is currently feeling good with the Middle East club.
Taking about how Ronaldo's second stint at Man United ended, Bailly feels the Portuguese experience at Old Trafford was not befitting of his status under Ten Hag, as the center-back believes 'the best player in the world' shouldn't be so disrespected.
Ronaldo bagged 18 league goals in 30 matches in 2021-22 after his sensation returns to Old Trafford from Juventus, but fell out of favor after Ten Hag's was announced as United manager.
Speaking about Ronaldo's unceremonious departure from Manchester United, Bailly said; "Cristiano Ronaldo returned, the legend coming back. He was the best player in the world for me. Even when he returned, Cristiano contributed a lot to the club and a player like Cristiano deserves to feel important. It’s a shame he left in the circumstances he did.”
Eric Bailly played just five matches alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. They won two games, drew as many times, and lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City.
However, Bailly's career has taken a slow downward trajectory after joining the Red Devils in the summer of 2016.
Lack of playing time under Ten Hag saw him secure a move to Besiktas, but his contract with the Turkish powerhouse was terminated due to poor performances in 2023, less than four months after joining.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been amazing since joining Al-Nassr, being crowned 2023's top scorer with an outstanding 54 goals to his name for club and country.
Meanwhile, Man United have struggled without the Portuguese goal machine, at least this season.
Ten Hag's side ramble the joint-third-lowest goals scored tally in the league with 22 goals, alongside Crystal Palace, with only newly promoted clubs Burnley (20) and Sheffield United with 15 scoring fewer this season.
What's next for Eric Bailly and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eric Bailly joined Villarreal towards the end of 2023 after Besiktas terminated his contract. They cited a string of poor performances from the defender and ended his stay after just six months.
However, the defender will look to rebuild his career with the Spanish outfit, Villarreal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, will be looking forward to continuing his good performance with Al Nassr when the Riyad-based team lock horns against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on February 1st.