Cristiano Ronaldo has said he still loves Manchester United despite the club announcing the termination of the contract they have with him.
In a statement late Tuesday, the English Premier League side said the 37-year-old will leave the club by mutual agreement and with immediate effect.
In a statement on their website, the club thanked the Portuguese for the two spells he had with them.
“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.”
However, in a farewell message, Ronaldo stated that he still loved the club and the fans but it was time for him to go and face a new challenge.
He wrote, “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.”
Manchester United betrayed me – Ronaldo
The contract termination comes after Ronaldo granted an interview with British media personality, Piers Morgan, days ago.
In the interview, Ronaldo said: “I don’t have respect for Erik ten Hag because he doesn’t show respect for me.
“If you don’t have respect for me, I will never have any for you”.
On former United manager, Ralf Rangnick, he said: “If you’re not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Man Utd? I’d never even heard of him.”
He went on to slam the club, saying, “Nothing has changed here since Sir Alex left. When I decided to return to Manchester United, I followed my heart”.
“Sir Alex Ferguson said to me: ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City!’.
He continued, “Nothing changed since I left. The pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, even some technology. Even the chefs who I appreciate, lovely people.”I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20!”.
