Revealed: Cristiano Ronaldo staying silent in Man Utd WhatsApp group due to fear of one ex-team-mate

Ronaldo spent six glorious years at United during his first stint with the club between 2003 and 2009 as he won multiple trophies, including three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a Club World Cup title. It was the Red Devils who gave the Portuguese icon a launchpad, and at Old Trafford, he established himself as one of the best players in the world. Ronaldo even won the first of his five Ballons d'Or as a United player. He came back to Manchester in the summer of 2021, but his second stint at the club did not run nearly as smoothly, and his contract was mutually terminated in November 2022.

Despite ending his ties with the Premier League giants, Ronaldo continues to remain in touch with many of his ex-colleagues, including former defender Ferdinand. The two even caught up for a chat after Ronaldo launched his own YouTube channel last year.  

A group of United stars, including Ronaldo and Ferdinand, continue to remain in touch in a WhatsApp group, although the Al-Nassr star mostly remains silent, according to Ferdinand.

Speaking to The Times, Ferdinand said: "It’s funny because Cristiano [Ronaldo] calls me a journalist now. He messaged me saying, ‘Now I can’t say too much in the United WhatsApp group, Rio’s in there. Rio the journalist!"

During Ferdinand's chat with Ronaldo on the Portugal legend's YouTube channel last year, the Portugal striker revealed the secret to his success and how he still continues to dazzle for both club and country in the twilight of his career.

Ronaldo said when quizzed on what keeps him motivated to continue playing: "Last night I was having dinner with my family and my mum and we spoke about some situations that happened in the Euros. It's the enthusiasm that I still have for the game. I'm [an] addict for football, I'm addicted to scoring goals, and to playing at a good level even at my age because I love it."

At 40, Ronaldo continues to exhibit exceptional form for Al-Nassr and Portugal. He has kicked off the 2025-26 campaign on a high note, already registering five league goals in as many appearances and six overall across all competitions. He has played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr maintaining a 100 per cent record in the Saudi Pro League as they continue to enjoy a two-point lead at the top of the table. In the October international break, the veteran frontman scored a brace in Portugal's 2-2 draw against Hungary in World Cup qualifying and smashed yet another record in the process. 

With the double against Hungary, Ronaldo went past former Guatemala star Carlos Ruiz's tally to register his 40th and 41st World Cup qualifying goals, which is now the most in history. The Al-Nassr star has 143 international goals to his name in total, while his all-time tally has reached 948 for club and country, following his stunning strike against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. With only 52 goals left to score, Ronaldo is on course to realise his dream of achieving 1,000 goals before bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career.