Piers Morgan & Ronaldo: Billionaire Bromance

Football's biggest star sits down with journalism's most controversial interviewer for what Cristiano Ronaldo calls his 'most personal interview ever.' In a revealing conversation in his Saudi Arabian 'man cave,' Piers Morgan extracts surprising new depths from the global icon – from billionaire status to retirement plans, and heartbreak to his upcoming wedding.

The Setting: A Saudi 'Man Cave' Confessional

Recorded in Ronaldo's lavish Saudi Arabian home, the interview kicks off with playful banter about Arsenal's Premier League title hopes (Morgan's club) before diving into uncharted personal territory. After their explosive 2022 fallout over Manchester United, this reunion was notably subdued, with Ronaldo joking, "This time, I promise I'm going to be a good man." Yet the chemistry between the two controversial figures remains electric, with The Telegraph describing it as a "bizarre bromance."

Manchester United: A Club in Crisis

Ronaldo expressed deep sadness about his former club's decline, criticizing their lack of structure: "Manchester United, right now, they don't have a structure. They're not on a good path. They need to change and it's not only about the coach and players..." Though Morgan cut him short before he could criticize United co-owner INEOS, Ronaldo tempered his praise for new manager Ruben Amorim: "He's doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible."

Ronaldo the Billionaire

Almost 20% of the interview focused on unprecedented wealth. After Bloomberg declared him football's first billionaire, Ronaldo confirmed: "It was my goal to reach that number... I knew I was going to reach that number, for many reasons." He casually admitted to losing count of his car collection and justified his private jet purchase: "I'm not a normal person, I cannot be in airports." Morgan quipped, "You're probably the most normal billionaire I know."

Retirement Reflections and Family Focus

With his Al Nassr contract worth £492m until 2027, Ronaldo hinted at retirement: "Soon... Probably I will cry, yes. It will be very difficult." He revealed plans to become more present for his children, particularly following son Cristiano Junior's football career: "I want to be more of a family person, more present." The World Cup next summer may be his final international hurrah.

Love, Loss, and Engagement

Ronaldo recently got engaged to Georgina Rodriguez, proposing after being "cajoled" by their children. He called her "the love of my life" and the "person who understands me and takes care of me and my family." The interview poignantly addressed their 2022 tragedy – losing a son while twins were born, with daughter Bella becoming "the queen of the family." Ronaldo said: "Everything happens for a reason. We are a blessed family."

The Morgan Effect

Despite their history, Morgan secured unprecedented access. The Telegraph noted the interviewer's unusually chummy rapport, even speculating he was "angling for an invite to Ronaldo's stag do." With part two promising discussions about Donald Trump and the death of teammate Diogo Jota, this billionaire bromance continues to deliver explosive content.