After giving a controversial interview in which he attacked both the club’s owners, the Glazer family and manager Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo agreed to the mutual termination of his contract during the World Cup break in the middle of the season.
The 38-year-old joined Al-Nassr and relocated to Saudi Arabia, while Dalot stayed with a United team that is actively pursuing a top-four Premier League finish. The right-back has since spoken out over Ronaldo’s departure.
“I have a terrific relationship with [Ronaldo]; we have had this good connection ever since he came to Manchester United,” Dalot told O Jogo. “As is well known, he is content there [in Al-Nasr].
“I think he has aspirations and objectives. He took this crucial step in his career to play in a different nation and league in order to once again demonstrate his extreme flexibility and resiliency. He will be the only one who can predict the future. He still has the talent to entertain us.
You cannot survive in football on ‘ifs. We are aware of Cristiano’s qualities, and we must understand that both of us choose to go separate roads.
We really wanted Cristiano to be with us since he is a teammate. We made an effort to make the most of his visit, and it still provided us with a lot. We must accept the decision that was made, look to the future, and carry on the battle with the tools at our disposal.
“If a key player leaves, a club like United needs to be able to locate a replacement. We have, in my opinion, shown that we are more than just 11 guys.
Tuesday, when Al-Nassr defeated Al-Tai to maintain their title hopes, Ronaldo scored his 13th Saudi Pro League goal in his 14th appearance.
With three games left to play, Al-Nassr currently holds the second-place spot in the league, three points behind Al-Ittihad.