Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United through mutual agreement
It's official! Manchester United have confirmed that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club through a mutual agreement. The news comes two days ahead of Portugal's opening game against Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo leaves in the aftermath of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The 37-year-old had returned to United from Juventus on a two-year deal.
Why does this story matter?
Ronaldo has hurt his own reputation after giving a controversial interview. One might praise him for lashing out at the club and the way it has been run, but he drew criticism for hitting out at the manager. Erik ten Hag treated Ronaldo normally and viewed him as an equal with the other players. All of this resulted in his ouster.
Here's what Manchester United said
"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," read a statement issued by the club. "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."
Here's the official confirmation
I love Manchester United and I love the fans: Ronaldo
"Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," said a statement from Ronaldo. "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."
Manchester United were prepared to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo's contract
Earlier on Friday, United issued a statement saying the club has initiated appropriate steps in response to the Ronaldo interview. "Manchester United has this morning initiated appropriate steps in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent media interview. We will not be making further comment until this process reaches its conclusion," the statement read.
Ronaldo was suspended for three days by United last month
Last month, Ronaldo was dropped by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for their Premier League clash versus Chelsea. This happened after the forward had gone down the tunnel in the 89th minute in United's win over Spurs at Old Trafford. He had also refused to come on as a substitute. Ronaldo was suspended by United for three days because of his behavior.
You have to set certain standards, the manager said
"I am the manager," ten Hag said. "I am responsible for the culture, I have to set the standards and values." "After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn't just him. The second time there has to be consequences. That is what has happened, we miss him tomorrow." "Football is a team sport. You have to set certain standards," he added.
Ronaldo played four successive games post Chelsea encounter
Ronaldo returned to the line-up in United's next game versus Sheriff in the Europa League and Ronaldo scored a goal. He also played the entire duration of United's Premier League match versus West Ham. Ronaldo then assisted Alejandro Garnacho is United's UEL match versus Real Sociedad on matchday six. He was made captain for the match versus Aston Villa, which United lost 1-3.
Ronaldo was absent for United's last two matches
Ronaldo didn't turn up for United in their Carabao Cup win over Villa and then also missed the match versus Fulham in the Premier League because of an unspecified illness.
Ronaldo doesn't respect United manage Erik ten Hag
Ronaldo blasted United manager Erik ten Hag in his interview with Morgan. He said "I don't have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn't show respect for me," said Ronaldo. "If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."
Ronaldo explained why he left the Spurs game early
The second part of Ronaldo's interview with Morgan was released on Thursday night. Ronaldo explained why he left the stadium versus Tottenham early. Ronaldo said he regrets the decision and blamed it on the manager for provoking him. Ronaldo said it's not allowed for a coach to put him in for three minutes in a game as he isn't that kind of player.
