Cristiano Ronaldo ends contract with Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United by “mutual consent.” 

Ronaldo agreed to a mutual termination of his contract following a heated interview with Piers Morgan in which he hit out at the club and their manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo said he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and he feels “betrayed” by the way he has been treated by Manchester United. Ronaldo said he’s been made a “black sheep” by the club, which often leaves him bearing the brunt of the blame for anything that goes wrong.

Ronaldo also questioned the decision to bring Ralf Rangnick to the club. Rangnick was brought in to replace the fired Ole Gunner Solskjaer.

“If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? I’d never even heard of him,” Ronaldo said of Rangnick.

Manchester United released a short statement on their website following Ronaldo’s release.

“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.”

They added, “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 released his own statement, saying: “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.”