Manchester United announced on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club "with immediate effect" after reaching an agreement with the team itself.
"The club thanks him for his immense contribution throughout his two stays at Old Trafford," United added in a tweet.
The player, captain of the Portugal team, had stated in an interview just a few days ago that the club was forcing his departure.
In a press conference yesterday Monday, the striker harshly criticized United and their manager, Erik Ten Hag.
"I don't have to think about what people say, I speak when I want," he said, referring to those who criticized him for giving an interview to
Sky Sports last week in which he accused the board and the coach of having betrayed him and even of not respecting him.
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
The club thanks him for his immense contribution from him across two spells at Old Trafford.# MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
“Manchester United tried to force me out.
Not only the coach, but also various people who surround the club.
I felt betrayed," Cristiano said a week ago when asked by English journalist Piers Morgan.
"I feel like some people didn't want me at Manchester United, not just this year but also last season," he added.
Cristiano returned to Manchester United last summer after forcing his way out of Juventus, a club he joined in 2018 from Real Madrid.
The Portuguese led the team last season as top scorer, with 18 goals in the Premier League and six goals in seven Champions League games, but he could not avoid elimination in the round of 16 against Atlético Madrid or qualify the Red Devils for the European Cup.
Cristiano begins this Thursday his fifth attempt with Portugal in a World Cup.
The 37-year-old striker captains the call-up for the Portuguese team ahead of his last great showcase to find a team after leaving United today.
Portugal will face Ghana first, and will also face Uruguay and North Korea in the group stage.
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