Ronaldo explosive interview: 'Obviously, it affects us' - Varane on its impact on Man United players

Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo is facing the flack of some of his and Manchester United fans following his controversial interview with famed football journalist Piers Morgan on TalkTV. The interview aired on Wednesday evening saw the Portuguese slam his club and accuse it of betraying him, lashing out at head coach Erik ten Hag and admitting to not respecting him as he does not receive the same from him. While supporters have called for immediate termination of Ronaldo's contract, his club teammate, defender Raphel Varane has admitted that the interview has had at least some impact on the players.

Gabbing to Europe1, Varane articulated, "Obviously, it affects us. We follow what is happening and what is being said. We try to calm the situation in our way, and we try not to get too involved in it. What is happening in the media - in the big clubs, things [like this] gain momentum."

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"When it's a star like Ronaldo, even more, so we try to take it with distance, that is to say, that we do not try to change the situation alone because we are part of a collective. What I want is the best for my team. So whatever the decision, as players, we'll accept it and give the best of ourselves," concluded Varane.

Meanwhile, United has issued a statement, saying that it would assess the situation and would only take appropriate action/s against Ronaldo "after the full facts are established". Now that the entire interview has been aired, it would be interesting to see when the Red Devils take their course of action. At the same time, it is likely after the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where Ronaldo would be representing his national side and would also likely be his last WC appearance.