The reality of Cristiano Ronaldo 's acrimonious departure from Manchester United is setting in.
After a tumultuous second spell at Old Trafford, the 37-year-old superstar had his £480,000-a-week contract terminated by the Red Devils following an bombshell two-part interview with Piers Morgan. Over 90 explosive minutes, Ronaldo slammed manager Erik ten Hag, owners the Glazer family and ex-teammates such as Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, giving him no route back to Manchester.
Currently in Qatar representing Portugal at the World Cup, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is having his £5million mansion in Cheshire cleared out. Removal trucks have been spotted taking away Ronaldo and his family's belongings, having moved to the north west last August when the father of five sensationally re-signed for United in what was supposed to be a dream homecoming.
Fast forward 15 months and Ronaldo's second marriage with the Premier League giants has ended in a messy divorce. Having fallen out with Ten Hag - who he claims had no "respect" for him along with senior executives - the ex-Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid and Juventus hero is now a free agent searching for a new club.
Ronaldo, who scored in Portugal's opening 3-2 win against Ghana last Wednesday, has made it clear that the Old Trafford chapter of his life has now "closed" and released a statement shortly after his exit was confirmed. "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," the Portugal captain explained.
"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."
Meanwhile, United said: "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.
"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."
Ronaldo will still play alongside two Red Devils at the World Cup, with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot joining him in the Portuguese ranks. Fernandes revealed his thoughts about the striker's departure during a press conference following the news, saying: "It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that.
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"I haven't discussed the topic with Cris. We're all focused on the national team and the World Cup. I don't feel uncomfortable. I don't have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
"We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn't tell me about his decision. It's a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven't talked about it. Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup."
