Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United with immediate effect

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with immediate effect, the Premier League team said on Tuesday. This marks an end to the Portugal captain's bitter second spell at Old Trafford.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, 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," United said in a statement.

The club thanked the striker for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wished him and his family well for the future.

The statement said, "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."

The 37-year-old issued his own statement which read: "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

"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."

How it ended

On Novemeber 14, the Club said they were "considering their response" to an interview given by Cristiano where he said he felt "betrayed" by the club.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been a peripheral figure on the field for United since Erik ten Hag took charge as manager in May.

Ronaldo was disciplined after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month, but had returned to the side in recent weeks and even captained the Red Devils in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa.

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When quizzed again if senior club executives were trying to oust him, Ronaldo replied: "Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too."