Manchester United wrote a blunt goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo in their programme for the EFL Cup matchup against Burnley.
The Portuguese forward’s high-profile departure from the club was acknowledged in the matchday program, which was only 81 words long.
When he returned to the team in 2021, Ronaldo was regarded as a legend at Old Trafford, but his standing suffered greatly as a result of his violent conversation with Piers Morgan.
The Red Devils sent him a brief message of appreciation prior to their first competitive match following the mutual termination of his contract, which caused him to leave the club.
It said: “Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month.”
“The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.”
“Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2008.”
“In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano’s immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future.”
The Portuguese superstar competed in the last World Cup in Qatar. He experienced heartbreak when Morocco eliminated Portugal in the quarterfinals.
He is currently a free agent looking for his next team.
Throughout United’s camping in Spain, manager Erik ten Hag has stated that he has moved past the controversies that came with the departure of Ronaldo.
He said: “It’s the past now that he’s gone. We are looking to the future while not moving too quickly.”
Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, who acknowledged their significant offer to Ronaldo’s camp, are said to have made him an offer that includes a contract that runs through June 2025.
The 37-year-old is still hoping to join a Champions League team.
In his contentious interview, Ronaldo had stated that he felt deceived by Manchester United and had no respect for United’s manager Ten Hag.
The Dutchman responded to Ronaldo’s remarks earlier this month, alleging the forward had actually stabbed him in the back by holding off on telling anyone about his desire to leave Old Trafford until the bombshell interview was released.
There was no mention of Ronaldo and his release from the club in Ten Hag’s pre-game comments.
Why Did Ronaldo Leave Manchester United?
Last summer, Ronaldo made it known that he wanted to leave United after they failed to make the Champions League, but there seemed to be no team interested in signing him, so he stayed at Manchester United.
Prior to the shocking interview, the 37-year-old lost his spot in the United lineup, although he captained the team in what turned out to be his final game for the team, a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on November 6.
Fernando Santos, Ronaldo’s manager in the recent World Cup in Qatar, also benched him due to his response to being replaced. The Portuguese FA refuted claims that he threatened to leave the camp after a contentious exchange with Santos.
Then, as Portugal suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals, he was reduced to tears.
What Next For Cristiano Ronaldo?
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is about to decide on his future at the club level.
The 37-year-old’s contract was cancelled by Manchester United at the end of November as a result of the explosive interview he gave to Piers Morgan on TalkTV, and he is now available on a free transfer.
Ronaldo is still frequently linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, but it is believed that he is holding out for bids from European clubs despite his struggles to attract any significant interest thus far.
The Portuguese international, who is eager to join a new squad as soon as possible, “will decide his destiny in the following days,” according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Although Ronaldo is rumored to be eager to join a Champions League team, there hasn’t been much interest in him as a result of his problems at Manchester United in the first half of the season.
Before joining the Portugal team for the 2022 World Cup, the forward only has three goals and two assists in 16 games with the Red Devils.
Ronaldo scored against Ghana in the team’s World Cup opening to become the first male player to score in five tournaments, but he started from the bench for the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
