John Obi Mikel slaps Cristiano Ronaldo in the face and sends Chelsea a transfer warning

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for his big ego and warned his old club not to make a bid.

Manchester United terminated Ronaldo’s contract with immediate effect on Tuesday and the 37-year-old can now move to any club of his choice after the World Cup in Qatar.

United were furious at Ronaldo’s recent criticism of boss Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners during his explosive two-part interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Ronaldo claimed he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and accused the Glazer family of failing to improve United’s facilities since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and his younger teammates started at Old Trafford.

“I’ve never really been a Ronaldo fan,” Obi Mikel told The Dubai Eye. “If a player has that much ego, I don’t really understand it.

“He was never one of my favorite players and that’s why I always go first [Lionel] Messi really.

“I mean if someone comes out and gives an interview like that why do you think if they sign for your club in January they won’t do the same?

“So, I mean, every club will be aware of that… but listen, he’s Cristiano Ronaldo; he’s one of the best players to ever play this game.

“I think in January he will look for another club and continue his football career.

“But for me it’s just a horrible scenario, he’s done so much for the club and to see it end like this is just awful.

“For his part, I would say that the interview should not have taken place, even at the wrong time.

“It’s just not right. It doesn’t look good for such a player who has achieved so much in the game.”

Ronaldo has been linked with Chelsea since the summer and American owner Todd Boehly is keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

However, the Blues reportedly have no plans to sign Ronaldo at the moment, with Newcastle United and Bayern Munich also eyeing a transfer.