The news comes as a bombshell at the World Cup in Qatar: Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United with immediate effect – officially it is said to be by mutual consent.
A statement from the Red Devils said the club thanked him for his huge contribution during two seasons under contract at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances – and wished him and his family all the best.
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.MUFC
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
The relationship between Ronaldo and ManU had been considered to be broken for some time. The clincher now seems to have been a Ronaldo interview in which the 37-year-old said he had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag. The 52-year-old Dutchman had hardly used the striker in recent times.
“Explosive interview “
In the interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV – excerpts of which were released in advance – the Portuguese also criticised the owner family of the traditional British club. There is also talk of an “explosive interview” in the British press.
“He’s been mucked around by Erik Ten Hag and treated with a lack of empathy by Man United!”
Piers Morgan reacts to news of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Man United after the explosive interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored. @JKyleOfficial | @PiersUncensored | @piersmorgan | JKLive pic. twitter.com/PHMXf5ZFU4
– Jeremy Kyle Live (@JeremyKyleLive) November 22, 2022
At Old Trafford Stadium, CR7’s poster was taken down straight away.
From Doha, Ronaldo wrote on Twitter that he loved Manchester United and he loved the fans. That will never change, he said, but he is now looking for a new challenge.