Manchester United have today confirmed the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo after agreeing to terminate his contract.
In an official statement from the club, it reads that, “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
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.”
Ronaldo joined United back in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon after an eye-catching display against the Reds in front of former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, who was impressed with the way Ronaldo performed that day, so much so that he was convinced he should sign him straight away, which he revealed in his autobiography, My Autobiography [Bleacher Report].
In his book, Ferguson wrote that he told his kit man, Albert Morgan, ‘Get up to that directors’ box and get [United chief executive] Peter Kenyon down at half-time.’ I told Peter, ‘We’re not leaving this ground until we’ve got that boy signed.’
What followed in the six years after that were memorable as Ronaldo helped United to dominance in both the domestic and European stage by helping United win the Champions League and three Premier League titles. He also helped United conquer the world by becoming FIFA World Club champions back in 2008 [manutd.com].
The Portugal captain also provided some memorable moments in a United shirt during his second spell as the fans will never forget that homecoming against Newcastle, where he scored twice at the Theatre of Dreams.
What. A. Moment. pic.twitter.com/XObaGzcNUO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2021
The former United number 7 scored 24 goals in all competitions last season [Transfermarkt.com] and he was voted as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 👏
You've voted @Cristiano as our Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year 🤩🏅#MUFC | @adidasfootball
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 4, 2022
The decision to terminate Ronaldo’s contract comes after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he attacked the club’s hierarchy, talked about the breakdown in his relationship with United manager, Erik ten Hag, as well as criticising the young players at Man United by saying that “they do not care”.
"I feel betrayed."
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels like he's being forced out of Manchester United in an explosive interview.
90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV.@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/nqp4mcXHB0
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
Once he heavily and openly criticising the United manager, there was no way back for Ronaldo as he threatened to undermine the unity and togetherness that the Dutchman is trying to bring to United in an attempt to get United back to competing again where the club feels it belongs.
Today’s decision to part ways with Ronaldo should allow United and ten Hag to accelerate the rebuilding process and it is also a sign that United are heavily invested in the former Ajax boss as they have sided with their manager over the 37-year-old.
The decision to terminate Ronaldo’s contract makes sense for both parties because ever since the summer Ronaldo has wanted to leave the club [Sky Sports], and from ten Hag’s perspective it allows him to move on from a player that has caused issues because of his behaviour at times this season.
It was always United’s intention to make their decision on the future of Ronaldo before Portugal’s clash with Ghana, which kicks-off tomorrow, in order to avoid any unnecessary distractions for Fernando Santos’s side.
Even though it is sad to see Ronaldo leave the club in this manner, history will remember Ronaldo as a United legend.
