One week after symbolically burning down whatever career he had left at Man U in a bonfire of an interview with Piers Morgan, star forward Cristiano Ronaldo is making his exit official. Effective immediately the 37-year-old Portuguese footballer is no longer with the Premier League football club.
The announcement follows Ronaldo’s airing of a laundry list of complaints during the Morgan interview, including his lack of respect for manager Erik ten Hag, and his own feeling of betrayal by the club. Ronaldo told Morgan that, “I feel betrayed by Man Utd” and “I have no respect for Erik ten Hag.” Ronaldo also expressed doubts that he would return to the team following this year’s World Cup, in which he is playing for the Portugal national team. He also added insult to injury, stating that he “would be happy if Arsenal win the Premier League.”
In a statement reported by CNN, a spokesperson for Manchester United F.C. said that “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,” adding that, “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 has released his own statement regarding his departure. As reported by Sky Sports News, he stated:
“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 Cristiano
Sky Sports News confirms that Saudi Arabia made an offer for Ronaldo this summer, which would have been accepted by United but Ronaldo was unwilling to make the move.