"In the Premier League, it is not as good as we all thought" - Lionel Messi's comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's move back to Manchester United resurface
Lionel Messi had issued a stern warning to Cristiano Ronaldo upon his decision to return to the Premier League and rejoin Manchester United last summer. With the Portuguese forward now seeking a move away from the club, the Argentine's words have now resurfaced.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Juventus to rejoin Manchester United in a deal worth €15 million in August 2021. Although the Portuguese adapted quickly and managed to bag a decent number of goals (24 strikes in 38 games), he was let down by United's failure in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly 'upset' with the 25% wage cut all players received when #mufc failed to qualify for next season's Champions League competiton. sportbible.com/utddistrict/ma…
Shortly after the transfer, Lionel Messi acknowledged his arch-rival's smooth adaptation but warned that the Premier League is full of twists and turns. He said during an interview with Marca (via Mirror):
"United are a very strong team with great players. Cristiano already knew the club, but that was at another stage and now he has adapted in an impressive way."
Messi added:
"From the beginning, he has scored goals as always and had no problems adapting. In the Premier League, it is not as good as we all thought, but it is a very difficult and even competition in which things take a lot of turns. After December it changes a lot and anything can happen."
Lionel Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the same year, was also asked if he missed his direct rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, to which he replied:
"It's been a long time since we stopped competing in the same league."
Ronaldo didn't hide his reaction to the result #mufc
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football…
"We competed individually and as a team for the same goals. It was a very beautiful stage for us and also for the people because they enjoyed it very much. It is a beautiful memory that will remain in the history of football."
How have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fared this season
Lionel Messi looks determined to light things up at PSG this season after failing to meet expectations at the Parc des Princes last term. That was evident in his first outing for the Parisians last weekend, where he recorded two goals and one assist to his name. He scored 11 goals and 15 assists in 34 games across competitions last term.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, seems to be affected by the drama surrounding him at Manchester United this summer. The attacker came on as a substitute for the Red Devils against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend but couldn't prevent his side from suffering a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.