Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he was “provoked” to refuse to substitute against Tottenham last month by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s lack of respect for him.

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he was “provoked” to refuse to substitute against Tottenham last month by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s lack of respect for him. In Ten Hag’s first season as manager, Ronaldo has played a supporting role. Ronaldo responded to criticism in the final segment of an interview with TalkTV following his refusal to enter the game and early departure from Old Trafford on October 19 during United’s 2-0 victory. “I think he did it on purpose,” said Ronaldo. “I felt provoked. I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was consequently suspended by the team for Manchester United’s subsequent game against Chelsea. “I think it was a strategy from the club for me to react that way,” he added. “I was very, very, very, very disappointed for the communication of Manchester United. “To be honest, I never had a problem with any club, with any coach and they suspend me three days, which I felt was a lot.”

After all the facts are known, United said in a statement on Monday that they will take the club’s response to the interview into consideration. Gary Neville, a former United captain, claimed on Thursday that they are now left with no choice but to terminate Ronaldo’s contract, which is valid through the end of the current campaign. After United didn’t make the Champions League, the 37-year-old reportedly wanted to leave the team even before the season started.

Ronaldo denied claims that other European clubs were not interested, saying that he turned down a Saudi Arabian offer worth 350 million euros ($364 million) over two seasons. “The garbage press say that nobody wanted me, which is completely wrong. I was happy here, I was motivated to do a great season here,” he said on staying at United “But they continue to repeat: ‘nobody wanted Cristiano’. How are they going to not want a player who last season scored 32 goals including (for the) national team.” Although Ronaldo said he intends to play until he is 40, he is excited for his fifth and likely final World Cup in Qatar.

Concerns about human rights abuses in the Gulf state and allegations of corruption during the bidding process have cast a shadow over the tournament. However, Ronaldo stated that for the inaugural World Cup in November and December, the “focus” should be on the football. “We should focus only in football. The competition for people to enjoy,” he added. “I see a good tournament to be honest. Qatar, they are prepared. It will be weird to play in the beginning of the season, but also a challenge.”