"He has his pride..." - Ex-Real Madrid president delivers "brutal" verdict on Ronaldo's Man Utd exit

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo had no choice but the force his way out of Manchester United.

Ronaldo, 37, had his contract terminated by mutual consent earlier this week after United decided to cut ties with the striker following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Unhappy with his role this season under Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo admitted he had no respect for the Dutch manager.

He also accused United of "betraying" him and attacked the club's owners, the Glazer family, who have since put the club up for sale.

'It must have been frustrating for him'

Calderon, who played a key role in bringing Ronaldo to Real Madrid from United in 2009, says the Portugal international was never going to accept a bit-part role this season under Ten Hag.

"Cristiano might be coming to the end of his glorious career, but he remains a wonderful player," he said.

"It must have been so frustrating for him to not be in the team at Manchester United.

"United will have their reasons, of course, but someone of his stature in the game was never going to accept that. He has to be playing football.

"He has his pride and reputation to consider, so I think it's a good thing his time there has come to an end.

"He wouldn't have wanted it to end like it did, but that's football sometimes. It can be a brutal business."

Where could Ronaldo go next?

Ronaldo is yet to confirm his next move since leaving Old Trafford, with his immediate focus on the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

His former club Sporting Lisbon have emerged as one of the early favourites to sign him, along with Premier League club Chelsea.

However, one report claims Ronaldo is close to signing a lucrative two-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Spanish publication Marca claim Ronaldo has been offered a huge £210m contract by the Saudi club, who failed in a bid to sign the striker during the summer window.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Football, Premier League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan