Manchester United have confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect just days after his explosive, tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
The 37-year-old forward issued scathing assessments on everyone from manager Erik ten Hag to United's owners the Glazers. As a result, United have hit back with a damning update of their own as they announced on Tuesday evening the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would not be returning to Carrington from his World Cup campaign out in Qatar with Portugal.
United's statement was short and sweet, with the last line in particular making for interesting reading. It 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.
"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."
The final sentence has already been interpreted by many as the club's way of reminding everyone, including Ronaldo, who is in charge at Old Trafford and who they place greater trust in when it comes to restoring United to their former glories.
Ten Hag and Ronaldo failed to see eye-to-eye throughout their shared time together at United, but in the end the Dutchman has got his way. It became increasingly apparent as the opening exchanges of his reign went by that the Red Devils boss had no desire to keep the forward at the club.
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During his chat with Piers Morgan uncensored, Ronaldo discussed Ten Hag and confessed: "I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."
The writing was on the wall at that stage, though Ronaldo is clearly not done talking as he has released a statement of his own in response to United breaking the news.
"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."
Where Ronaldo goes next will become clearer after the World Cup, but as Portugal captain his focus is now likely to be on the task at hand in Qatar.
