Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United part ways after interview fiasco

Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement with immediate effect, the club confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Ronaldo came under intense criticism during his recent interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

In the interview, Ronaldo criticized the club over a number of issues. He had even alleged that a few of the club bosses were trying to ‘force him out’. United’s decision to part ways with Ronaldo appears to be the result of the explosive interview.

The Portuguese forward looked set to leave Old Trafford following a recent TV interview in which he said he felt ‘betrayed’ by the club and had no respect for the new manager Erik ten Hag.

In their statement, Manchester United wrote:

“Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, effective immediately.

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The club thanks him for his immense contribution during 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 achieve success on the pitch.”

It was Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United, having arrived from Juventus before the start of the 2021-22 season. The Portuguese first left Manchester United in 2009 to join Real Madrid where he spent 9 glorious years of his career. He then spent three years with Italian giants Juventus before returning to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is in talks with a number of clubs but it’s not yet clear which team the 37-year-old will join next.

With AFP inputs