Cristiano Ronaldo‘s second spell with the premier league giants Manchester united ends with “immediate effect” read the official statement by the club on Tuesday; by “mutual agreement” between the two parties, it added.
Here’s how it went down
Following Ronaldo’s explosive interview with TalkTv last week where he brutally criticized United’s new manager, the functioning of the club, and its owners. United was outraged by the player’s remarks and has even decided to sue him over breach of contract. He was also informed that he would no longer play for the club again.
In his interview he had openly said that he felt “betrayed” by the club, there has been “zero progress” at the club, and that he had no respect for Erik Ten Hag, the new manager; which clearly set a stage for his exit. In another incident, he had refused to come on as a substitute during a premier league match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo still had seven months left for his nearly £15M worth contract to end, but the 37-year-old has decided not to take the money. It is reported that the bosses at Manchester United were keen on not giving him the pay-off.
It’s been reported that the Glazer family, United’s US-based owners, are willing to sell the club.
The club in their official statement thanked him for his “immense contribution across the two spells at Old Trafford, with 145 goals in 346 appearances”. And further wished him and his family well for the future.
“Everyone at the club (Manchester United) remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik Teh Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
Following the news of his exit from the United, fans expressed anger while some supported the decision. To which Ronaldo reacted by saying “I love the 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 has always insisted that the United fans were to him the most important part of the club.
At present Ronaldo is in Qatar with the Portugal squad preparing for the first game at the world cup, facing Ghana on Thursday.
It is His fifth World Cup captaining Portugal, with a world record of 117 international goals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich and has been linked with an emotional return to Sporting Lisbon, where he came through the youth ranks.
Read More: Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry as France’s proudest player.
