London: Cristiano Ronaldo has been axed by Manchester United after having his 500,000 pounds-a-week contract ripped up.The Portugal forward, 37, had blasted the club in his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, the Sun reported.
The news was announced as United released a blunt 67-word statement for the club icon.
The club -- who will not give their iconic No7 a pay-off to save themselves 11.5 million pounds -- 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."
The news comes less than 48 hours before Ronaldo kicks off his fifth World Cup campaign with Portugal, the Sun said.The Euro 2016 champions face Ghana in Doha on Thursday afternoon. And captain Ronaldo will start the game unemployed as a free agent.
Ronaldo hit back with a short statement of his own shortly after the confirmation of his exit.
He said: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.
"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best.”
Ronaldo had played a bit-part role under Ten Hag this season with just four Premier League starts and one goal in 10 appearances, the report said.The former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar launched a scathing attack on Manchester United in his 90-minute sit-down chat with Piers.
In there, he claimed he did not have respect for manager Ten Hag, the club betrayed him and they did not believe him regarding his baby daughter's ill health over the summer.When snippets of the bombshell interview were released by The Sun hours after the 2-1 win at Fulham, United said they would wait for the full facts before making a decision.
It is understood they sought legal advice and clearly feel they have grounds to terminate the big-money contract seven months early.(UNI)
