Cristiano Ronaldo Blames Bullies For Manchester United Departure

The newest Galactico, Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed he had to quit Manchester United as he feared serious injury if he didn't.

Ronaldo cited the rough physical nature of the Premier League as one of the factors that convinced him to join the free-spending Spanish giants.

The Portugese superstar told Shortlist, "There are some teams who know they can't compete with you on a football level, so they just kick you.

"It's frustrating and something needs to be done to protect the skilful players because one day someone will get seriously hurt. I think more could be done to protect us but that is up to the referees to decide."

Despite his apparent happiness to leave the Premier League, Ronaldo revealed his affection for the city of Manchester and particularly for former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I was a boy when I arrived at Manchester and now I'm leaving a man. This club and its fans will always have a place in my heart," he enthused.

When speaking about his former manager Ronaldo showed great gratitude for him saying, "I  can never repay the confidence he has shown in me over the years. He made me aware that I would be one of the best players in the world, he gave me that belief. He gave me the No 7 shirt because he believed I could do it justice."

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for a deal believed to be worth £240,000 a week, after tax, and revealed there was only one thing he would have changed about his departure, winning a second European Cup.

"It was nice to leave after winning another title, but it would have been perfect to win another European Cup. That defeat really hurt so when people say you don't show loyalty, I just don't listen."

David Kifford, Goal.com