Legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Manchester United, the club made an official announcement on its social media handle on Tuesday.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," Manchester United confirmed in a statement.
"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," the statement added.
Ronaldo's take on his clash with Manchester United and the manager:
Earlier, Ronaldo gave an interview to Piers Morgan which shocked football fans. In the interview, the Portugal captain threw light on his relationship with Manchester United and its manager Erik Ten Hag.
When asked that is he feeling like people in the club did not want him, Ronaldo stated, "Yes. Not only the coach, but a few other two or three guys there around the club. I felt that some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too," he stated. Ronaldo also stated that he has no respect for Erik ten Hag. "I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you," he added.
The five-time Ballon d'Or award winner stated that he is bulletproof and the interview will not harm the Portugal team.
"Please, don't ask players about me. Ask about the World Cup, I'm bulletproof, I have an armoured mind. I don't have any doubt that this recent episode, that interview, and other episodes with other players that happen sometimes, can sometimes shake the player but it won't shake Portugal," Ronaldo had said ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Not only his interview but the timing of the interview was also a topic of debate. Reflecting on the timing, Ronaldo said, "Timing is always timing. From your side, it is easy to see how we can choose the timings. Sometimes you write truths, and sometimes you write lies. I don’t have to worry about what others believe. I speak when I want to. Everyone knows who I am, what I believe in." Ronaldo added.
