Nov 23, 2022
By: BI India BureauOn Tuesday, November 22, ace football player, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo and football club Manchester United mutually agreed to part ways. This was Ronaldo’s second stint with the club.
Credit: Instagram/Manchester-United
Man Utd released a statement stating “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect”. Ronaldo too posted a statement, sharing it was the “right time to seek a new challenge”.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
The decision comes on the heels of Ronaldo’s explosive interview with broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan where he criticised the club, sharing he felt ‘betrayed’ by the club, and alleging the club bosses of trying to ‘force him out’.
Credit: Twitter/Piers-Morgan
The interview with Morgan was just the last straw. Trouble between Ronaldo and Man Utd was brewing for a while - starting with Ronaldo missing United’s pre-season tours of Thailand and Australia due to family issues.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
The divide deepened when Ronaldo was photographed outside the stadium before a match ended, in a friendly clash against Rayo Vallecano. Later, Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur was overshadowed with a photograph of Ronaldo storming off the pitch into the locker room as an unused substitute.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
Starting in 2021, this was Ronaldo’s second spell with Man Utd, and it lasted only a year. He first joined the club in 2003, when he was only 18 and played for them for six years till 2009.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
Ronaldo first left Man Utd. in 2009 to join Real Madrid, staying with them for 9 years till 2018. In 2018, he joined Juventus, and after a stint of three years with them, returned to Man Utd in 2021.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus in 2018 was worth €100 million (£88 million) - the most expensive transfer for a player above the age of 30. And, the most expensive transfer for an Italian club.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
In 2020, Ronaldo became the first footballer to earn over $1 billion, surpassing long-time rival, Lionel Messi. In 2022, Kylian Mbappé replaced both Messi and Ronaldo as the world’s highest paid soccer player.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
Widely regarded as one of the best football players, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards and holds the record for the most goals (140) and assists (42) in the Champions League.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo
Currently, there is no confirmation on the club that 37-year-old Ronaldo may join, though sports enthusiasts are speculating between Newcastle United, Chelsea or his first club, Sporting CP. However, during his interaction with Morgan, Ronaldo did mention that he may retire at 40.
Credit: Instagram/Cristiano-Ronaldo