Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect.
Ronaldo, 37, has faced uncertainty over his future with United following his controversial TV interview on TalkTV with Piers Morgan. The striker is currently in Qatar with the Portugal national team for the World Cup.
A statement from the Red Devils read: "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."
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Ronaldo himself has released a statement, confirming the time is right to seek a new challenge. He said: “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."
United were said to be 'furious' with Ronaldo after the interview, in which the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed that he felt betrayed by the club. Reports last week suggested that the club had seek legal advice and would sack the Portuguese if his behaviour was judged to be 'a serious enough breach of discipline'.
Ronaldo has only appeared 16 times for United this season, scoring only three times in a period that has contained a number of falling outs. The striker reportedly wanted out in the summer but remained at Old Trafford to be part of Erik Ten Hag's squad.
However, after walking down the tunnel before full-time in October against Tottenham, his future has largely been discussed ahead of the January transfer window. He has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea on a number of occasions and Blues owner Todd Boehly is understood to be keen on him joining the club.
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