Cristiano Ronaldo may have suffered his most humiliating low yet as Vincent Kompany admitted he wouldn't sign the forward for Burnley.
Kompany's quip comes just hours after Manchester United released a statement confirming the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would leave Old Trafford with immediate effect following his tell-all interview last week with Piers Morgan Uncensored. Ronaldo admitted he "doesn't respect" manager Erik ten Hag and blasted the way the club is run by those at the very top of the hierarchy.
As a result, there was no way back for the forward at Old Trafford and he will soon be on the prowl for another club. That new club, he may be disappointed to discover, will not be Championship outfit Burnley if Kompany's comments are anything to go by.
While covering France's World Cup clash against Australia for the BBC, Kompany was asked for his thoughts on Ronaldo's United exit. The Manchester City legend replied: "I think in the end everybody loses except perhaps the Man United manager. I think it is a problem that has been resolved and they will move on from this."
Asked if he'd be keen on prying the football icon to Turf Moor, where Kompany currently manages, the Belgian quipped: "We need players who can run."
The remark will certainly go down well with the City supporters, as one of the Etihad's most iconic figures pokes fun at a now ex-United star.
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Fellow pundit and Premier League legend Alan Shearer echoed Kompany's sentiments on Ronaldo's exit, as he claimed the forward was never going to form a successful working relationship with the United boss.
"It is a sad end to his Man United career," the ex-England star explained. "He's got his wish, it is what he did the interview for. It was inevitable it was going to happen after that.
"I think it is going to be really interesting to see if a Champions League club comes in for him. Maybe Man United aren't that disappointed either, that was never going to be a match, Ten Hag and him."
United's statement that confirmed an end to this lengthy saga surrounding Ronaldo's future 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."
