Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United by mutual consent, the club have announced.
The Portuguese star rejoined the Red Devils back in 2021 but had recently become disillusioned with life at the club, culminating in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he was very vocal in his criticism.
A statement from Manchester United read: "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
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"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 himself quickly followed up with a statement of his own.
It read: "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."
Ronaldo's Talk TV interview with Morgan became a hot topic before of the beginning of the World Cup, and in the two-part interview he claimed he had been "betrayed" by United boss Erik ten Hag.
He said: "Yes, I feel betrayed and I feel that some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year, too."
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