Cristiano Ronaldo claims Man Utd 'didn't believe' him about daughter's illness

Cristiano Ronaldo has alleged that Manchester United executives ‘didn’t believe’ his new-born daughter was ill just months after her twin had died.

Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodríguez were struck by tragedy earlier this year when they lost their baby son, although they said the arrival of their new-born daughter gave them “hope and some happiness.”

In the latest release from Ronaldo’s interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo has now claimed that Man Utd later questioned his honesty when he said his daughter, Bella, was ill with bronchitis shortly afterwards on the eve of the club’s preseason tour overseas.

"I spoke with the director and the president of Man Utd and they kind of didn't believe that something was going wrong, which made me feel bad," Ronaldo said.

When asked to confirm that claim, Ronaldo continued: "They believe me but in the same way [shaking head gesture]... I am never going to change the health of my family for a football. Now, or 10 years behind or forward.

"And it is something that really hurt me because they doubted my word that I was struggling, especially Bella and Geo.

"We had one week in hospital because Bella had a big problem and I didn't go to the pre-season because of that.

"I didn't want to leave my family to do the pre-season because I didn't think it was fair to leave my family for a pre-season. This is why I didn't go."

It is the latest of the explosive claims by Ronaldo from the interview, in which he claimed Man Utd had ‘betrayed’ him and that he ‘did not respect’ coach Erik ten Hag.

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Man Utd have declined to comment on the interview, although they did release a statement on Tuesday.

“Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo,” the statement read.

“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.

“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”