Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Gary Neville has ruined his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo following his recent comments about the Portugal captain.
Man Utd Legend Responds To Being Ignored By Ronaldo
In a recent heated on-air debate with former teammate Roy Keane, Neville shared his belief that Erik ten Hag was justified in his decision to drop Ronaldo a couple of weeks ago, before insisting that United are a stronger side without the 37-year-old.
The discussion, viewed by millions around the world, seemed to make its way to Ronaldo, who, before the Red Devils' win over West Ham United on Sunday, appeared to ignore his ex-colleague who was preparing to do punditry work pitch-side.
The drama has been weighed in on by Ferdinand, who has defended the Portuguese in recent weeks, saying it is likely that Neville has tarnished his relationship with Ronaldo due to his comments.
"I don't think Cristiano is taking that call [if Neville calls him]. Knowing Cristiano, it's gone, isn't it? You've said what you said and believe what you believe," he said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel.
"I think what I would have done differently if I was recreating that scenario, I would maybe have gone and shook a couple of hands and said: 'You talk too much, see you later' and then gone. Just a little jab in there.
"They would have [crossed paths], [Neville] would have gone to the gantry straight away, you're not going to go and search out someone when you're preparing for a game.
"I see why people are saying he didn't need to do that, but from a player's perspective, no player is happy when a pundit is criticising them."
Ronaldo Set For Return To Former Club?
Ronaldo and Neville shared a dressing room at United between 2003 and 2009, often playing together on the right side of a 4-4-2 under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
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