Days after giving the explosive interview against the upper echelons of the Red Devils, Cristiano Ronaldo has been asked to leave Old Trafford as Premier League giants Manchester United have confirmed the exit of the Portugal captain on Tuesday. According to an official statement released by Manchester United, Ronaldo will leave the club by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
Lashing out at manager Erik ten Hag during the bombshell interview, Ronaldo had said that he did not respect the Manchester United head coach. Nicknamed CR7, the Portugal captain was famously dropped by manager Ten Hag for Man United's match against Chelsea after the 37-year-old refused to come on as a substitute during a previous home game.
Though Ronaldo revealed that he regretted leaving Old Trafford early during Man United's home game against Tottenham Hotspur, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star asserted that he felt ‘provoked’ by Ten Hag. On Tuesday, Man United thanked Ronaldo for his contribution to the club during his bitter-sweet stints at Old Trafford.
"The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch," the club said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}"The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch," the club said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}Becoming a free agent prior to the winter transfer window, Ronaldo has also released a statement after his Manchester United’s exit amid the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup. “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," Ronaldo said in a statement after Man United confirmed his exit. "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," he added.