Niculae: The group no longer accepted Cristiano Ronaldo

A new name has taken a jab at Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Romanian star, Marius Niculae, who shared a dressing room with the Portuguese star at Sporting during the 2002/03 season, has ed in the wave of criticism directed at the forward following his disappointing World Cup tournament.

The Romanian gave a very opinionated response despite only playing nine matches with Ronaldo.

"He wasn't a sociable person," Niculae told Digi Sport Special.

"We always tried to get him to come to the table to eat with us, but he was always in his own world.

"He would go to the gym alone. Sometimes, after training, we would all go out to eat, but he never came."

Niculae also hinted at issues within the Portuguese camp.

"I think the group didn't accept him as well anymore," he added.

"Pepe is the only one he gets along with. I've seen some photos, Bruno Fernandes has avoided him a bit."

The interview with Piers Morgan just before the start of the World Cup and the disagreement with coach Fernando Santos after his substitution against South Korea, ended up costing Ronaldo his place to Goncalo Ramos.

"The statements he made in that interview (with Piers Morgan) were decisive in his departure from Manchester United," said Niculae.

"I think he will choose Al Nassr or America. Then, from what I have read, I think he wants to go into films and Hollywood."