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Manchester United have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
The announcement comes as a result of the 37-year-old’s two-part bombshell interview with Morgan on TalkTV last week.
A 67-word statement from Manchester United reads today, “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’s interview with Morgan saw the Red Devils explore the possibility of terminating Ronaldo’s contract seven months early without paying any of the £16million he is predicted to earn by June 2023.
United believed Ronaldo had violated his terms of employment with his criticism of the club’s US owners, manager Erik ten Hag, the club’s facilities, his team-mates and former Red Devils players including Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
Reacting to the announcement, Ronaldo claimed his sudden Manchester United United departure was mutual in a cursory 57-word statement.
The 37-year-old veteran insisted his love for United and the fans will “never ever change” despite the acrimonious nature of their separation – which sees him kiss goodbye to £16million in wages as he receives no compensation.
The statement reads, “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.
“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels 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.”
Media reports in the UK reveal that United have not paid any compensation for the remaining seven months of Ronaldo’s £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
The announcement comes just two days before Ronaldo kicks off Portugal’s World Cup finals campaign against Ghana.
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