Cristiano Ronaldo has stunningly left Manchester United by mutual consent after problems were aired following his controversial two-part interview with Piers Morgan last week.
The interviews saw the superstar rip apart United chiefs and boss Erik ten Hag before jetting off to the World Cup in Qatar with Portugal. A United statement 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, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future." United failed to win a trophy with Ronaldo in his second spell, owing to the poor tenures of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim boss Ralf Rangnick under his control. However, with new boss Erik ten Hag clearly aiming to have a profound long-term effect on the club's culture and vision, United appeared to back their manager over club legend Ronaldo with a thinly-veiled dig towards the end of their statement.
They continued: "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 rejoined the Red Devils last summer in a £20million move from Juventus, 12 years after departing the club for Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of £80m. Initially hitting the ground running, Ronaldo lapped up the applause of the fans as they clamoured for his return as an idol. But slowly his form faded away and it became apparent that frequently, with his downfall came United's on and off the pitch.
The Portugal star also confirmed his departure, stating: "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. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."
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