Manchester United made their feelings clear on Cristiano Ronaldo with a brutal farewell statement.
It is one year since Ronaldo’s second stint with United ended in disarray after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese great blasted the club, his former managers and teammates during his tell-all interview with Morgan.
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As a result, United and Ronaldo mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
In the first match since Ronaldo’s exit, United’s farewell message in the pre-match programme was a very short, statistical-based goodbye.
It read: “Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month. The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
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“Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d'Or winner in 2008. In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano's immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future.”
At the time, manager Erik ten Hag said shortly after his exit was confirmed: “He's gone and it's the past. We are now looking forward and we're looking to the future.”
Since leaving United, Ronaldo became the first big-name player to ditch European football for the Saudi Professional League.
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In January, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
After Ronaldo’s big-money move to the Middle East, Saudi Arabian clubs have since continued to splash the cash to lure other big-name players from Europe.
During the summer transfer window, the likes of Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez signed for other Saudi Professional League clubs.
In terms of Ronaldo, he was joined by Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic at Al Nassr.
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Al Nassr
Marcus Chan