Dalot trolls teammate Ronaldo after Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd training ground ban

12 October 2023 , 15:15

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Diogo Dalot has taken a cheeky dig at Cristiano Ronaldo, referencing his explosive interview with Piers Morgan last year.

During the interview, which led to Ronaldo's second stint at Manchester United ending acrimoniously, the 38-year-old was highly critical of young players. "Their hunger [is different]," he said. "I think they have things more easily, everything's easy, they don't suffer – and they don't care.

"I don't mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngsters are not the same of my generation. But you cannot blame them, because it's part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them."

And Dalot, who is close friends with Ronaldo, appeared to reference his comments in a post on his Instagram story. The pair are currently on international duty with Portugal and Dalot shared a snap of himself sat next to Ronaldo, who is on his phone.

"This new generation always on the phone @cristiano", he jokingly captioned the picture. Dalot's post also comes after it was claimed that one of several changes United boss Erik ten Hag implemented ahead of the new season was to ban players from using their phones during meal times.

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According to the Daily Telegraph, the ban formed part of Ten Hag's plans to try and 'foster a sense of unity among the squad and staff'. It was said he hoped the decision would 'encourage team-mates to talk to each other and mix freely'.

Despite Ronaldo's criticism of the "new generation", he did single Dalot out for praise in his interview with Morgan. "In Manchester United I can mention Dalot, he's young, but very professional but I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional," he said.

Dalot trolled Ronaldo on Instagram over comments he made in his infamous interview with Piers Morgan (Instagram/@diogodalot)

Dalot in action for United against Brentford (Alamy Live News.)

Ronaldo was axed by United after the interview and went on to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with a number of top European footballers following his lead and making highly lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia over the summer.

However, Dalot claimed that United's players were keen for the forward to remain at Old Trafford, telling Portuguese outlet O Jogo in May: "In football, you can't live on 'ifs'. We know the quality that Cristiano brings, it was a mutual decision to take different paths and we just have to accept it.

"As a teammate, we really wanted Cristiano to be with us. We tried to make the most of the time he was here and it still gave us a lot. We have to live with the decision that was made, look forward and, with the weapons we have, continue to fight."

Matthew Cooper