Rio Ferdinand has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo felt as though he had been "pushed into a corner" by Manchester United prior to his exit from the club.
Shortly before the start of the World Cup, the 37-year-old's explosive tell-all interview with Piers Morgan was released. During the two-part special, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised Reds boss Erik ten Hag, the situation at Old Trafford, former teammates and the owners.
His second spell with the club was brought to an abrupt end on Tuesday as it was confirmed that he had left by mutual consent.
READ MORE: United announce Ronaldo to leave club with immediate effect
Ferdinand, who is part of the BBC's coverage of the World Cup, said of the saga: "Both parties have got what they wanted.
"When he mentioned in August he was going to reveal some of the details behind the scenes, this was almost like a ticking timebomb.
"I think he felt he was pushed into a corner, in his own mind, and he did what he did [the interview] to get this outcome.
"He put the club in a position where it was an untenable situation. Was it handled perfectly? I think, from both parties, no. But if you look at the end game, they've got to where he and the club, through the manager's eyes, wanted to get to."
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