Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United "by mutual agreement with immediate effect," the club confirmed Tuesday. This came as the footballer made explosive statements in an interview with Piers Morgan about the club's owners and how he "doesn't respect" Erik ten Hag.
The statement by the club added: "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."
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.#MUFC
The Portugal caption too confirmed his exit in a statement that read, "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early."
He added that he loved Manchester United and its fans and that will never 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," he added.
However, it is not clear where he would go next after failing to secure a move to a Champions League club in the summer. At present, Ronaldo is in Qatar preparing for Portugal's opening game against Ghana on Thursday.
Though his contract wasn't due to expire till June, Ronaldo's future with the club was in question after the interview wherein he claimed a few of the club bosses are trying to 'force him out'.
He had also remarked that the club had made "zero progress" since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and that he "doesn't respect" ten Hag. Following the bombshell interview, United said it had initiated steps in response and the contract cancellation was widely expected.
Meanwhile, reports claimed that the club isn't playing paying Ronaldo to leave early.
Ronaldo left Juventus for United in 2021 but expressed his dissatisfaction lately. Earlier in the month, he was ordered to train on his last month after refusing to come on as a
substitute and walking off the pitch during United's win over Tottenham.
Sale of club
Manchester United also confirmed that the Glazer family is exploring a potential sale of the club."The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club," the statement read.
"The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially."
The board is reportedly considering all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company. "This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club's commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club's men's, women's and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders."
The Glazer family has owned the club since 2005.
