Cristiano Ronaldo will be leaving Manchester United immediately, according to the English Premier League club.
United made a short statement stating that the agreement was reached by both parties.
The statement stated that the club thanked him for his enormous contribution over two spells at Old Trafford. He scored 145 goals in 346 appearances and wished him and his family all the best for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United is focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik Ten Hag and working together for success on the pitch.”
Ronaldo, who is currently in Qatar with Portugal’s national team for the World Cup, said Monday that United’s timing didn’t affect his concentration.
Ronaldo spoke out about his feelings of betrayal by United in a TalkTV interview, which was released right before the World Cup began.
Ronaldo’s departure to United ends Ronaldo’s second spell with the club. He has only scored once in his 10 Premier League appearances.
Ten Hag has used him largely as a substitute and he refused to take the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur last month, instead walking down the tunnel while there are still minutes left in the match.
Ronaldo is unlikely to make his last appearance at the World Cup. It is not clear which club will sign him for half the season.
Ronaldo was a skilled, tricky winger who transformed into one of the greatest players in the world when he joined United in 2003.
Before moving to Real Madrid, he won three Premier League titles and two League Cups. He also won the FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Champions League.
Ronaldo’s last-year return to United from Juventus was met with great fanfare by club supporters. However, his second spell at Old Trafford did not match his first. United finished last season without any trophies.
Ronaldo released a statement saying that “Following discussions with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed on ending our contract early.”
“I love Manchester United, and I love the fans. That will never change. It feels like the right moment to find a new challenge.
“I wish the team success for the rest of the season as well as for the future.”
