'Heat of the moment': Cristiano Ronaldo on leaving Tottenham game early
Striker was dropped from Manchester United's squad against Chelsea after the incident
MANCHESTER: Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that the incident that led to Manchester United dropping him for Saturday's game at Chelsea was the result of "heat of the moment."
Cristiano, an unused replacement in Wednesday's 2-0 victory against Tottenham, left Old Trafford before the final whistle was blown.
"I've always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I've represented," he wrote on Instagram.
"That's not always possible. Sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us. I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington [United's training ground], support my teammates and be ready for everything in any given game.
"Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we'll be together again," he added.
The 37-year-old is still a vital member of the team, according to United, but they view this as a disciplinary issue. He will miss a crucial match at Stamford Bridge, since United are only one point behind fourth-place Chelsea.
According to several media outlets, he reportedly declined to substitute in late against Spurs.
Even though United had only used three of their allotted five substitutions, Ronaldo got up from the bench and headed into the tunnel in the 89th minute. Before exiting the stadium, he briefly entered the locker room.
Cristiano Ronaldo dropped by Manchester United for Chelsea clash
United boss Ten Hag has left out Ronaldo for the Red Devils' clash against Chelsea as a result of his early departure during the victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
After Ronaldo left Old Trafford before the conclusion of Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Spurs, Ten Hag made the choice.
ESPN reported that the club has supported Ten Hag's decision but maintains that the 37-year-old is still "a crucial member of the squad."
"Cristiano won't be playing for Manchester United against Chelsea this coming Saturday. The rest of the team is totally committed to getting ready for that match," Manchester United said in a statement on Thursday.
When Ten Hag and the players were back in the locker room, the striker had also departed the stadium. United has chosen not to respond to claims that he refused to enter the game after Ten Hag substituted Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen in the 87th minute.
After starting just two Premier League games, the Portugal international is eager to leave the club. He has two goals this season in 12 appearances.
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