Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United by mutual consent

Manchester United have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club with immediate effect – but have made no mention of his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

The announcement comes as a result of the 37-year-old’s two-part interview with Morgan on TalkTV last week.

A 67-word statement from Manchester United read on Tuesday: ‘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, 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.’

Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: ‘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.

‘I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.’ 

Ronaldo criticised the club in a two-part bombshell interview with Piers Morgan last week

Ronaldo’s interview with Morgan saw the Red Devils explore the possibility of terminating Ronaldo’s contract seven months early without paying any of the £16million he is predicted to earn by June 2023.

United believed Ronaldo had violated his terms of employment with his criticism of the club’s US owners, manager Erik ten Hag, the club’s facilities, his team-mates and former Red Devils players including Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.

With the interview dominating Ronaldo’s preparations for the World Cup, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced to speak out over his treatment at Old Trafford on Monday.

‘I am bulletproof — I wear an iron suit,’ said Ronaldo. ‘In my life, the best timing is always my timing. I don’t have to think about what other people think. I speak when I want. 

Ronaldo criticised Erik ten Hag and the Glazer family as well as saying he was ‘betrayed’ 

‘The players know me really well for many years and know the type of person I am and what I believe in. 

‘It’s an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I’m sure it (the interview) won’t shake the dressing room’s concentration and focus.

‘Stop asking my team-mates about me. If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo, I would be upset. If you want to ask them about the World Cup and the team, I would like you to do that.’

The announcement comes just two days before Ronaldo kicks off Portugal’s World Cup finals campaign against Ghana. 

More to follow 

Portugal’s World Cup campaign kicks off on Thursday evening against Ghana in Group H