Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement

New Delhi: On Tuesday evening, Manchester United released a statement saying they have decided to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with a mutual agreement.

This development came a few weeks after Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The interview was aired in two parts. Ronaldo did put his heart out saying he wanted to leave the club earlier but they hoped to keep him.

However, the 37-year-old Portuguese star player stated he was being pressured out of Old Trafford by United's hierarchy members, who he claimed did not believe in him even when he said his daughter was ill and prevented him from attending preseason.

United said they would consider responding to Ronaldo's comments "after the full facts have been established". And the two have now parted ways under a mutual agreement.

The statement which United released reads "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect."

Furthermore, 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."

Following United's statement, Ronaldo himself released a statement 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."