Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United paving way for shock $363m move to Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United with immediate effect.
The move is mutually agreed between player and club and comes after a controversial interview in which he said he did not respect the Manchester United management.
A statement from Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best”.
Ronaldo looking for new club
Manchester United, in turn, issued a statement saying: “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford”.
They wished “him and his family well for the future” and added “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”.
In the controversial interview with TV presenter Piers Morgan Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he turned down an offer of €350m ($363m) to play in Saudi Arabia.
Having now left Manchester United and looking for another club the Portugal star may be tempted to return to the negotiating table.
After confirming he rejected the offer, which would have seen him earn a record-breaking salary, Ronaldo admitted it had been hard to knock back the contract.
It was not confirmed which club made the offer, but previous media reports have suggested Saudi club Al-Hilal had made an approach for Ronaldo.
