Luis Figo has claimed that "everyone is happy" after Manchester United terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract, as the former Real Madrid star discussed the 37-year-old's future.
United confirmed Ronaldo's exit from the club in a statement on Tuesday evening. It read: "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."
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Ronaldo responded with a message of his own, saying: “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.”
Ronaldo is currently in Qatar as he looks to help his Portugal side go as far as possible in the competition. Figo was recently asked for his thoughts on his compatriot's exit from Old Trafford, as he admitted that it was in the best interests of all parties.
Speaking to Sports 18 (via NDTV Sports ), he said: "After all the situations that came, I think it was the decision of both. A mutual agreement, I think is beneficial for both. For himself because he was not playing and for the club that feels that the player doesn't want to stay.
"He's of course a special player, an important player but at the same time he was not playing, not being an option for the coach. He was complaining about the club and the club decided with a mutual agreement to separate the destiny of both. Well, it's like that - mutual agreement, everyone's happy.
Figo also spoke about Ronaldo's future, with the Portugal captain now a free agent.
He added: "Well, I don't know. I think it's always a personal decision, depending on the goals he has, and the offers that are coming now. But this is a personal and sportive decision of his, depending on the clubs that want him."
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