Cristiano Ronaldo a 'better man' after Manchester United exit

Portugal star, who joined Al Nassr in hugely lucrative move in December, set to become most capped player in men's international football

Portugal's players Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Diogo Dalot (R) attend a training session at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, 22 March 2023. Portugal play against Liechtenstein in the qualification for the UEFA EURO 2024 on 23 March. EPA / RODRIGO ANTUNESShow less

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is a “better man” following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United last year, while the Al Nassr captain also expressed his surprise at the competitiveness of Saudi Pro League.

The Portugal forward, poised to break yet another record with his national team, opened up somewhat on Wednesday about the controversial conclusion to his second stint in England.

Ronaldo's contract was terminated by United on the eve of the 2022 World Cup in November after his explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners.

Ronaldo, 38, went on to have a disappointing campaign in Qatar – Portugal were eliminated at the quarter-final stage, with their captain losing his place in the starting line-up – before he signed for Saudi’s Nassr in late December.

Speaking about his United exit, Ronaldo said: “I think that everything in life happens for a reason. I'm often grateful to go through some difficult things so I can see who is really on my side.

“At the tough times, you see who is on your side. It wasn't a very good phase in my life, in my career, first on a personal level and then professionally.

“There is no time for regrets in this life. Even if we don’t do so well, it’s part of our life. When we are at the top of the mountain, it’s hard to see what’s down here and many times I couldn’t.

“I feel like I’m better prepared now because I can see some things. I’m a better man now.”

Portugal players Cristiano Ronaldo, left, and Diogo Dalot share a joke during a training session at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, March 22, 2023. Portugal play against Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifier on March 23. EPA

Ruben Neves, Diogo Leite, Otavio and Cristiano Ronaldo warm up during a training session at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon. EPA

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference. EPA

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez watches Cristiano Ronaldo, right, during a team training session on March 21, 2023. AP Photo

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for a training session. AP Photo

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo does some stretching exercises. EPA

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during a training session. EPA

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo talks with goalkeeper coach Ricardo. AP Photo

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Palhinha and goalkeeper Rui Patricio cycle during a team training session. AP Photo

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez talks to Cristiano Ronaldo. AP Photo

On Thursday, Ronaldo will become the all-time record holder for men’s international appearances (197) should he feature in Portugal’s 2024 European Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein.

The former United, Real Madrid and Juventus star's future with his national team was in doubt after the World Cup, but new manager Roberto Martinez was quick to include the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football in his first squad.

However, Ronaldo did admit on Wednesday: “It was all in the balance after the World Cup. I reflected with my family and then we came to the conclusion that it was not time to throw in the towel. I learned a lot from it and I’m very happy to be back."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been settling into life at Nassr after a modest start. He has scored nine goals in his past nine appearances for the Riyadh club, while was named the league’s Player of the Month for February having found the net eight times and registered two assists.

Nassr, seeking a first top-flight title in four years and 10th overall, are currently second in the table, one point behind Al Ittihad with nine rounds remaining.

Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Nassr said to be worth more than $200 million per year.

"I think you should look at the [Saudi Pro League] in a different way," Ronaldo said. "I'm not going to say that the league is a Premier League – that would be a lie.

"But it's a very competitive league that I'm positively surprised by, a very balanced league and good teams. I am sure that in the coming years the league will be ... the fourth, fifth or sixth most competitive league in the world.”

On potentially surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al Mutawa as the most capped player in men’s football, Ronaldo said: "I like to break records, I have broken lot of records …

"In addition to being the best scorer ever for national teams, I was also looking to be the international player with the most caps.”

Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League match at the King Abdulaziz Stadium in Makkah on February 9, 2023. Ronaldo bagged all four goals in a 4-0 win. AFP

Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal. AFP

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo kisses the ball before taking a penalty. The Portuguese striker converted for his hat-trick - the 61st treble of his career. AFP

Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for his and Nassr's third goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's second goal. AFP

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball. AFP

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal. AFP

Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates. AFP