Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Manchester United with immediate effect.
The departure of the 37-year-old was thought to be inevitable following his shocking two-part interview last week with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo alleged in the interview that there had been “no evolution” at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson and that he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag.
Both Ronaldo and United claim the exit was “mutually agreed”.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford,” Manchester United said in a statement.
Fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media.
On a Manchester United Facebook fan group, Stephen Panagos said:
“Threw his toys out the cot like a spoilt brat and got his own way. Thanks for what you did at the club, but lad you not bigger than the club. Farwell and good luck.”
Meanwhile other fans feel differently, with popular Twitter fan @UtdTrey tweeting:
“Thanks for the memories king, we’ll always love you @Cristiano”.
Ronaldo himself put out his own statement, stating:
“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.”
Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United last season, scoring 18 goals in 30 league appearances for the club.
However this season has seen Ronaldo falling out with manager Erik Ten Hag, struggling to get a game and managing just one goal from 10.
What Ronaldo does next remains to be seen.
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Manchester United in 2008; image by Gordon Flood
