Just in: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United

Manchester United has announced that it is parting ways with Cristiano Ronaldo, a few days after he granted a scathing interview about the club.

The club announced his departure in a statement published on its website on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old had recently criticised the club in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, a British TV personality.

The Red Devils said the decision to sever ties was a “mutual agreement” and “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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

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Ronaldo also issued a statement to announce his exit from the football club, noting that it is “the right time for me to seek a new challenge”.

“Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early,” he 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.”

Ronaldo returned to United for a second spell in 2021 after illustrious years with Real Madrid and Juventus.

But it was not a favourable return for the Portuguese and he quickly fell out of favour with Erik ten Hag, the new manager.

Last month, United handed Ronaldo a match ban for refusing to come on as a last-minute substitute against Tottenham.