Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United 'with immediate effect' after controversial interview

On his manager Ten Hag, he said, “It’s hard when they cut your legs and they don’t like you to shine and they don’t listen to your advice.” Ronaldo further commented, “I think he don’t respect (me) the way I should deserve. But it is what it is. That is probably why the game against Tottenham, I left. .... This is why I say I don’t have respect for him, because he don’t show respect for me. This is why we are in that situation. I have to be honest that things are not going well because of that. Because the empathy don’t exist.”

During his 90-minute interview with English journalist Piers Morgan, he shared that he felt "betrayed" on November 17. “It’s not allowed for me, (for) a coach to put me three minutes in a game,” said Ronaldo, who is touted by many as the world’s best player. “I’m sorry. I’m not that kind of player. I know what I can give to the team,” he added.

United had hinted at the move in response to his attack on the club's functioning, saying "it had initiated appropriate steps," as many fans predicted his fate. “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” it said on Tuesday. “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.”

After Ronaldo’s exit, the club will now accelerate its plans of signing a new center forward. Manager Ten Hag had planned to replace him post-season but now will have to find a replacement during the January window.