Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken for the first time after informing Manchester United his desire to leave the club.
The 37-year-old stunned Erik ten Hag last month by asking his side to consider offers for him.
Ronaldo still insists he wants to leave Manchester United
Ronaldo previously had a chat with the Old Trafford boss, claiming he was keen to play under the Dutchman, giving no indications he wanted out.
The Portugal international is, however, keen to play Champions League football next season, which is something United can't offer.
Ronaldo was absent due to 'family reasons' and remained in his homeland whilst his teammates went on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia this summer.
He returned to United's Carrington training base on Tuesday, with super agent Jorge Mendes, for talks with Ten Hag over his future - but still expressed his desire to leave.
The talismanic forward has since taken to social media to express his anger at the 'lies', but baffled fans by responding to a fan account on Instagram that cited the report.
"Impossible not to talk about me one day,' said Ronaldo in the post, which has now gone viral.
Ronaldo took to social media to hit back at the 'lies' towards him
"Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don't lie you can't get people's attention.
"Keep going that one day you get some news right."
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo will participate in any of United's two remaining pre-season friendlies against Atletico Madrid or Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
Atletico were one of the club's linked with an interest in signing the Portuguese superstar this summer, but the LaLiga club's president Enrique Cerezo has ruled out the possibility of bringing Ronaldo back to the Spanish capital.
Ronaldo wants to leave Man United this summer, but no options are emerging
"I don't know who invented this story about Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico Madrid – it's definitely not true," Cerezo told radio show El Partidazo de COPE.
"It's practically impossible for him to come to Atletico Madrid."
With just over a week until the start of the new Premier League season, Ronaldo is in desperate need for minutes, and is four weeks behind the rest of the squad in terms of preparations for the new campaign.
United have counted on Anthony Martial to lead the forward line, and the Frenchman has impressed in Ronaldo's absence, netting three goals in four games during pre-season.
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