Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United with immediate effect

Portuguese striker's contract has been terminated after explosive interview

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match against Brentford at Old Trafford in May, 2022, when he enjoyed a superb season personally despite United's struggles. EPA

Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the spot for Manchester United against Brentford. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Chelsea in the Premier League match at Old Trafford in April, 2022. AP

United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Nemanja Matic after scoring against Chelsea. AFP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores in the Premier League match againstr Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in April, 2022. AFP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores his third goal in the Premier League match against Norwich City at Old Trafford in April, 2022. AP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his third goal against Norwich City. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Norwich City. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League match at Old Trafford in March, 2022 . Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur. Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Brighton in the Premier League match at Old Trafford in February, 2022. Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal during the Premier League match against Wolves that was later disallowed in January, 2022. EPA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores in the Premier League match against Burnley at Old Trafford in December 2021. EPA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring in the Premier League match against Norwich City at Carrow Road in December, 2021. AFP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot during the Premier League match against Norwich City at Carrow Road in December, 2021. AFP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring in the Champions League match against Atalanta at the Azzurri d'Italia stadium in November, 2021. AFP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford in December 2021. EPA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores a penalty during the Premier League match against Arsenal. PA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Marcus Rashford after scoring during a Champions League match against Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica in November, 2021. AP

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores during the Champions League match against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in November, 2021. EPA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring in the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October, 2021. Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores during the Champions League match against Atalanta at Old Trafford in October 2021. EPA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against Villarreal in the Champions League match at Old Trafford in September, 2021. Reuters

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Champions League match against Villarreal in September 2021. EPA

Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo scores against West Ham United during the Premier League match at the London Stadium in September, 2021. Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Manchester United during the Champions League match against Young Boys at the Stadion Wankdorf in September, 2021. Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Manchester United against Newcastle United during the Premier League match at Old Trafford in September, 2021. Getty

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo scores against Newcastle at Old Trafford. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United with immediate effect after his contract was terminated.

United issued a statement on Tuesday which read: “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.”

It’s understood that United felt they were on solid ground in terminating the Portuguese’s contract following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan which was broadcast on British television last week.

Among Ronaldo’s comments in the interview were claims that he felt “betrayed” by the club and that he had no respect for Ten Hag.

He also said that he felt people at the club were trying to force him out and that United showed a lack of empathy when he daughter was in hospital ill.

Ronaldo promised in August he would give his version of life at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move to a club playing in the Champions League, which he wanted.

The 37-year-old is with Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar and is set to captain them in their opening Group H game against Ghana on Thursday.

"Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," he said a statement.

"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."

Ronaldo trains with Portugal at World Cup