Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the end of his time at Manchester United was the most difficult passage of his career.

Ronaldo said his Manchester United struggles were ‘part of my growth’ and said he is a better man because of them, as he spoke publicly about his exit from the club for the first time.

Ronaldo made just four starts in the league for Manchester United this season before his contract was terminated last year following an interview in which he criticised United’s owners, the Glazer family, as well as manager Erik ten Hag. 

Speaking at a Portugal press conference ahead of their games in this international break, Ronaldo said of his United struggles: “Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side. I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets. Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.

“When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below. Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man.”