Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has now lifted the lid on Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit from Old Trafford, saying he "sleeps well" considering what transpired.
In November 2022, Ronaldo did a tell-all interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, during which he lambasted the club and the Dutch manager.
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Despite being advised against appearing on the show by his then-agent Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese superstar made it publicly clear he had no respect for Ten Hag and felt the feeling was mutual between them.
The situation culminated in Ronaldo's contract being terminated by mutual consent little more than a week later, even though his deal was only due to expire in June this year.
Ten Hag, who has maintained his silence on the matter since, has now opened up on the fallout, and revealed he did not lose sleep over the whole ordeal.
"I had my reasons. They were obvious and I also knew the consequences," the 53-year-old said, according to Goal.
"It could have had a negative outcome. That is always possible in football.
"But I am not worrying. I sleep well also, even during those nights.
"I have to take decisions in respect of advancing the club and the team.
"That is my job and that is the responsibility I have – and I have to stand by those decisions.
"I have to face the consequences and the impact of my decisions, not only in the short term but also for the longer term. Of course, you don't always have a lot of time.
"In that period, I remember we had 10 days so I could consider which choice would be the best. You always have to think strategically."
Read: Angry Ten Hag reacts to Man Utd's shock 7-0 thrashing
Both Ronaldo and Ten Hag have since gone on to find relative success in the aftermath, with the former signing a mega deal with Saudi outfit Al Nassr worth a reported €200 million (R3.8 billion), while the latter guided the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years when they won the Carabao Cup late last month.
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