The Manchester United v Cristiano Ronaldo saga has come to an abrupt end after the club confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the player to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
The 37-year-old rocked the club and the world of football after his unauthorised yet explosive interview with Piers Morgan surfaced.
The Portuguese international accused the club of betraying him and trying to force him out, and the United hierarchy were disappointed with his comments.
Since the interview surfaced, United have been pondering the appropriate punishment for Ronaldo, who was accused of breaching his contract.
They have now released an official statement confirming that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is currently on international duty, will no longer continue with the club.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” it read.
“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 returned to Old Trafford last season after leaving Juventus, and his second coming was received with much anticipation.
He netted 18 Premier League goals in 30 appearances in his first season but has since found himself on the fringes since Erik ten Hag arrived at the Theatre of Dreams.
The former Real Madrid striker has been restricted to just ten league appearances this term and has netted a solitary goal.
Ronaldo, who claimed in his interview that he had several offers to leave United but turned them all down, is now effectively a free agent.
With his frenemy saga with United now over, he will not return to Old Trafford after the World Cup, and his agent Jorge Mendes will continue to search for a new club for his client.
