Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself a "better man" for going through this season's controversial departure from Manchester United.

His final months at the club were filled with trouble as he struggled to star under new manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo even refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before his appearance on Piers Morgan's TalkTV show.

In that he criticised the Dutch manager and the club's Glazer ownership, leading to his contract being mutually terminated.

He has since joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a staggering £173-million-a-year deal.

During a Portugal press conference ahead of their international fixtures, Ronaldo said of his issues at the Red Devils: "Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side.

"I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there's no time for regrets.

"Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.

"When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.

"Now, I'm more prepared and learning that was important because I had never been through this, like in the last few months.

"Now I'm a better man."