Published on 22 Nov 2022 10:28 pm (UK Time)
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United with immediate effect, both United and Ronaldo have stated that his exit was a mutual agreement.
In a statement, the club said: “[We thank] him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wish(es) him and his family well for the future.”
Ronaldo is set to captain Portugal’s opening game in the World Cup against Ghana on Thursday. In an interview, Ronaldo said he would “speak when he wants” and he will not allow his disagreements with United to “shake” Portugal.
Last Wednesday Ronaldo’s interview on TalkTV saw him reveal that he felt “betrayed” by United, how they doubted him over his sick daughter, how he has “no respect” for Erik ten Hag, and that he thought he was being forced out of the club.
Following United’s statement, Ronaldo said: “following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.”
Ronaldo was close to joining Manchester City for £305m prior to returning to United. The 37-year-old had seven months left on his contract but he is now without a club.
Between 2003 to 2009, during his time at United, the Portuguese won the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, three Premier Leagues and a Fifa World Player of the Year award.
Chelsea expressed an interest in Ronaldo in the summer however Thomas Tuchel vetoed the signing.
Despite his interview, many supporters still love Ronaldo and his many ‘magical moments’ at United. United fans on social media have shown mixed reactions though many fans were happy to see the situation resolved, many labelled his departure sad, stating that Ronaldo is better than United and that he’s “finally been let out of prison.”
Others, however, have decided that it was an ego-driven move to do an interview with Piers Morgan and his termination is certainly a result of publically bad-mouthing your employers.
But it’s not only Ronaldo who is set to leave United. After years of protest against the Glazers family, it has been rumoured that the American owners 17-year reign may now be coming to an end.
According to Sky News, the Glazer family is to formally announce their intentions to examine outside investors and explore strategic alternatives for the club.
A statement issued by United said: “There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company.
“Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless the board has approved a specific transaction or other course of action requiring a formal announcement. ”
