'One of my idols' - Marcus Rashford responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd exit

Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford has given his response to the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Red Devils earlier this week.

United announced in a club statement on Tuesday that Ronaldo had departed Old Trafford for a second time by 'mutual agreement'.

This followed on from an interview given to Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo criticised United chiefs, manager Erik ten Hag and club legends Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.

Most fans anticipated that the 37-year-old would have no way back at United following the interview, with the club's statement confirming exactly that.

Ronaldo, who is currently at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Portugal, will now be searching for a new club.

And a report from CBS Sports claims he has been offered a three-year contract worth £186 million to play for Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr - a deal that would see him play into his 40s.

Reaction from his now former United team-mates has been relatively thin on the ground, but Rashford has given his verdict on the exit of the Portugal star.

Marcus Rashford responds to Ronaldo Man Utd exit

Rashford was the England player on media duty for the latest press conference in Qatar, and he was unsurprisingly asked to give his reaction to Ronaldo's exit.

And he had nothing but positive words for the 37-year-old football legend.

He replied (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him.

"He is one of my idols, and someone I always looked up to. It's something I can keep with me forever.

"I wish him all the best, and we want to thank him for the things he's done for Manchester United."

Ronaldo was one of many United stars to congratulate Rashford on Instagram after he netted his 100th goal for the club earlier this month against West Ham.

The 24-year-old scored in England's opening 2022 World Cup game, during a 6-2 win against Iran. He will be hoping to add more goals to his tally as the tournament progresses, and will push for a starting spot after making two appearances off the bench thus far.