"They Forgot Who I Was" – Ronaldo’s Story at Manchester United When I returned to Manchester United in 2021, it felt like destiny. Old Trafford. The fans. The roar. It was emotional — like coming home. I remembered the kid I used to be in 2003 — skinny, full of tricks, and desperate to prove himself. Sir Alex believed in me back then. He shaped me. So when I came back, I thought I’d lead again — not just by goals, but by example, by passion, by standards. I didn’t return for money or comfort. I came to win. But quickly… I realized something was wrong. The mentality had changed. The fire that used to burn in the dressing room — it wasn’t there. The club that used to set the standard now accepted mediocrity. Players were more focused on Instagram than trophies. I was shocked. They didn’t understand what it meant to wear this badge — not like we did. I tried to speak up. I pushed the younger players. I gave advice, tried to lead, but most didn’t want to hear it. They said I was too harsh. That I lived in the past. But this wasn’t about the past — it was about standards. About respect. About the legacy of United. Then came the media. Every mistake I made — magnified. Every time I didn’t start — a headline. Every time I showed frustration — they said I was toxic. They called me the problem. Me — the problem? I was scoring goals. Even when the team was struggling, I kept performing. But still, the narrative was against me. I was made to look like a villain — like I had become too big for the club. But the truth was, I cared too much. Then came Erik ten Hag. At first, I gave him respect. But I saw quickly — there was no mutual respect. He benched me without explanation. I was left out of key matches. Sometimes, I was even told I wouldn’t be needed at all. It wasn’t about tactics — it felt personal. When I walked off the pitch before full time, they said I disrespected the team. But nobody talked about the weeks I was disrespected behind closed doors. The club didn’t believe in me anymore. And worst of all — it wasn’t just about football. Even when my daughter was sick in the hospital, and I told the club I needed time… I felt like they doubted me. Like they questioned my commitment. That broke my heart. So yes, I spoke out. I did the interview. Some said I shouldn’t have. But when nobody inside protects your truth, what choice do you have? I left United not with hate — but with disappointment. I still love the fans. I always will. They stood by me from day one. But the club… it wasn’t the same. It had lost its soul. Its hunger. Its respect. They forgot who I was. But I didn’t.