On Tuesday night, United released a 67-word statement declaring they and the player had come to a mutual decision to end his contract.
The Portugal attacker also stated he was being pressured out of Old Trafford by United hierarchy members, who he claimed did not believe him when he said his daughter was hospitalized and prevented him from attending preseason.
Ronaldo will no longer be playing for United after they initially said they would examine their response to his remarks “when the entire facts have been revealed.” Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo returned to United for a second stint last year, but under new manager Erik ten Hag, he has struggled this year.
He issued the following statement:
“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.”
The lack of investment by the team in the 13 years since he left Old Trafford has drawn criticism from Ronaldo. According to sources, United has made investments in their facilities, particularly the training facility, café, and swimming pool.
The Portuguese forward also criticized Ten Hag, although insiders maintain that both the club and the manager treated Ronaldo with respect. Ten Hag consistently insisted during press conferences that Ronaldo had been given time off during the preseason to attend to family issues.