DOHA, Qatar — Cristiano Ronaldo will depart Manchester United “with fast impact,” the Premier League membership mentioned Tuesday, days after he gave an explosive interview criticizing supervisor Erik ten Hag and the membership’s homeowners.
It wasn’t recognized the place the 37-year-old Ronaldo will go subsequent after failing to safe a transfer to a Champions League membership in the summertime.
“Following conversations with Manchester United we have now mutually agreed to finish our contract early,” Ronaldo mentioned. “I really like Manchester United and I really like the followers, that can by no means ever change. Nevertheless, it seems like the correct time for me to hunt a brand new problem.
“I want the crew each success for the rest of the season and for the longer term.”
Ronaldo, who’s at present in Qatar with Portugal as he goals to win a primary World Cup title for his nation, has been left pissed off after being decreased to a fringe member of United’s crew this season.
The Portugal captain mentioned he felt “betrayed” in the course of the 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan, which aired Thursday and during which he was additionally important of youthful gamers.
United mentioned final week that it had initiated applicable steps in response to his feedback, with the cancellation of his contract extensively anticipated.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is to go away Manchester United by mutual settlement, with fast impact,” it mentioned on Tuesday. “The membership thanks him for his immense contribution throughout two spells at Previous Trafford, scoring 145 objectives in 346 appearances, and needs him and his household nicely for the longer term.”
That assertion didn’t convey the membership’s dismay after the unauthorized interview.
Ronaldo’s sudden exit might additionally pace up United’s plans to signal a brand new heart ahead.
Ten Hag had deliberate to deal with his assault on the finish of the season, however could now must search for a alternative in the course of the January window.