Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Man Utd with immediate effect

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect. The decision has been made with mutual consent.

Ronaldo's contract at Old Trafford was set to expire next summer, but the player has now become a free agent.

The former Real Madrid star was close to leaving Man Utd during the summer transfer window but was unable to force a transfer away despite agent Jorge Mendes offering him to several clubs across Europe. However, he has now left by the club by mutual consent.

READ: Man Utd tear down Ronaldo mural

This news comes following the airing of Ronaldo's controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which Ronaldo said he feels the club hasn't made any progression since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Furthermore, Ronaldo criticised former manager Ralf Rangnick and current head coach Erik ten Hag, saying former Ajax manager Ten Hag has shown him no respect since arriving at Old Trafford this summer.

Ronaldo admitted to Morgan that he felt the club were trying to show him to the exit door. He said: "Yes [they are trying to force Ronaldo out], not only the coach but the other two or three guys there around the club.

"Yes [at senior executive level]. I felt betrayed. I felt that some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too."

READ: From Man City bid to Messi: Ronaldo-Piers Morgan interview IN FULL

What have Man Utd said?

Man Utd's official club statement on the matter read: "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 has been heavily criticised this season after walking down the tunnel before the full-time whistle against Rayo Vallecano and refusing to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese star, who is currently on international duty at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, scored one Premier League goal in 10 appearances for Man Utd in the 2022/23 league season. However, only four of those 10 appearances came from the start, with Ronaldo not favoured by new manager Ten Hag.

Ronaldo re-joined the club in 2021 after spending time at Real Madrid and Juventus after initially leaving Man Utd in 2009 for a then world-record fee.

More to follow...