Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Manchester United By Mutual Consent
Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect, the Premier League team announced, marking a bitter end to the Portugal captain’s second spell at Old Trafford after he said he felt betrayed by the club.
During an explosive interview with journalist Piers Morgan this month, Ronaldo also said he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag.
The Premier League giants said last week they would address Ronaldo’s comments only after establishing the complete facts and added last Friday that they had initiated “appropriate steps” in response.
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
“Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” Manchester United said in a statement.
“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 United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
- Read more: ‘I Feel Betrayed’, Cristiano Ronaldo Accuses Manchester United
- Read more: Ronaldo Says Explosive Interview ‘Won’t Shake’ Portugal Squad
Last month, Ten Hag said Ronaldo had refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, when the forward walked down the tunnel with a few minutes of the game remaining after being put on the bench. The 37-year-old was then not part of the squad that faced Chelsea the following Saturday before returning to the fold.
Ronaldo later said in the interview he regretted leaving early against Spurs but added his decision to walk off came because he felt “provoked” by Ten Hag. Ronaldo said in a statement that he loved the club and the fans.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 22, 2022
“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,” Ronaldo said.
“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 rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in August 2021, after winning eight major trophies with the Premier League giants from 2003-2009.
Portugal kick off its Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign against Ghana on Thursday.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters/Manchester United.
