Ronaldo to leave Man United by mutual agreement after criticizing manager, club owners
'I love the fans,' says veteran forward, who had 2 stints with Premier League team
Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United "with immediate effect," the Premier League club said Tuesday.
The termination of the 37-year-old forward's contract comes after he conducted an explosive interview in which he criticized manager Erik ten Hag and the club's owners.
It wasn't immediately clear where he would end up next after failing to secure a move to a Champions League club in the summer.
"Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," Ronaldo said. "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."
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.<br><br>The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a>
—@ManUtdRonaldo, who is currently in Qatar with Portugal as he aims to win a first World Cup title for his country, previously made it clear that he wanted a transfer after being reduced to a fringe member of the team this season.
On Tuesday, he got his wish with United confirming his departure.
The statement didn't convey United's dismay after Ronaldo's unauthorized interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portugal captain said he felt "betrayed" during a 90-minute discussion in which he was also critical of younger players.
United said last week that it had initiated appropriate steps in response to his comments, with the cancellation of his contract widely expected.
Owners prepare to sell club
Manchester United's American owners confirmed Tuesday they would consider putting the iconic Premier League club up for sale.
United said the Glazer family was exploring outside funding to enhance growth — a move that could pave the way to a potential buyout.
"As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company," it said in a statement.
American investment bank the Raine Group has been enlisted to handle any sale or fresh investment.
While there is no guarantee the Glazers will cede complete control of United, the news will provide hope to the team's supporters who have long-campaigned to drive out the American family, which also owns the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The late tycoon Malcolm Glazer bought United in 2005 for 790 million pounds (then about $1.4 billion) amid a backlash from fans.
Unrest has continued in the following years and in recent times seen increasingly angry protests. A game against Liverpool had to be postponed last year following demonstrations at Old Trafford.
