Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Man United LIVE: All the reaction as Red Devils announce 37-year-old has left the club by mutual consent following explosive interview with Piers Morgan
Follow Sportsmail’s live blog as world football reacts to the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United by mutual consent.
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Others, however, are praising United for making a tough decision on the back of Ronaldo’s interview.
Correct move from @ManUtd! You bad mouth publicly your employer, now face the consequences, it doesn’t matter how great of a footballer you are, no one is bigger than the club!
Another record for @Cristiano, the only balon d’or winner playing at a World Cup unemployed. #Ronaldo https://t.co/lv2weOWZof
Respect to United for actually backing the manager over that diva. Signs of a club that's starting to get serious about their future https://t.co/z9tyrYovrz
Unsure how to feel about the Ronaldo @ManUtd saga! Appreciate the memories and guess they outweigh the recent bitterness. @Cristiano’ll always be a #ManUtd legend, just not as great a one he could’ve been… https://t.co/fQykp9mkDy
Fans have flocked to Twitter to react to the news, and opinion seems to be divided…
Some are bitterly disappointed to see Ronaldo go and blame United for their handling of the situation in recent months.
May Ronaldo be remembered for the legend he was at United before his shenanigans ??
Ronaldo is bigger than your lousy club.
Hasn’t sunk in yet, but so sad to see the homecoming end like this. United failed him.
Nothing will change the fact that he’s not only the greatest player to play for United, but in history. ?
Thanks for the memories ? https://t.co/fqOTU47Eg7 pic.twitter.com/grBDNiDGTP
Sad how it’s ended but he will always be a legend of the club. Thanks for the memories @Cristiano. Viva Ronaldo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s4ALd6hjx9
Ronaldo’s former team-mate Rio Ferdinand believes his exit represents a triumph for both the player and the club.
‘I think both parties will be delighted,’ Ferdinand said on BBC Sport.
‘He did the interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the club. He wasn’t happy and he made it very clear.
‘Also happy for Erik ten Hag, he has got what he wanted in this situation. Both are happy.
‘It depends what the motivation is as to where he goes next. Is it Champions League, money, this will be getting planned out behind the scenes and I’m sure we will find out.’
Just seen the Cristiano news… best for both parties! @ManUtd @Cristiano
Ronaldo insists he still holds United and the club’s supporters in the highest regard despite his sour exit, but he is now setting his sights on a ‘new challenge’ after a brief return to Manchester.
‘I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change,’ he said. ‘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.’
United confirmed Ronaldo’s exit in a blunt 67-word statement tonight, but there was no mention of the bombshell interview which triggered his departure.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,’ the statement reads.
‘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.’
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United is officially over.
United have confirmed that the 37-year-old has left Old Trafford by mutual consent following his controversial tell-all interview with Piers Morgan last week, in which he unleashed an astonishing attack on United and several high-profile figures, including head coach Erik ten Hag.
Sportsmail will be bringing you all the reaction to Ronaldo and United’s acrimonious split, so follow our live blog for updates throughout the evening.
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