The termination “by mutual agreement” with Manchester United announced late afternoon yesterday left Cristiano Ronaldo without a club two days before Portugal’s debut at the 2022 World Cup – tomorrow with Ghana. What is just another soap opera episode for many is the end of an era for Ronaldo. “I love Manchester United and its supporters, that will never change. However, I feel now is the right time to look for a new challenge. I wish the team the best of luck for what is left of the season and for the future,” commented CR7, a free agent in Qatar 2022.
The exit through the small door comes after a high-profile interview with English journalist Piers Morgan, in which the Portuguese player questioned everything and everyone at the Old Trafford club, from trainer Erik ten Hag to the Glazer family, owner of the club since 2005.
According to DN, the squad captain, as soon as he was informed of the opening of the disciplinary process – which he had already anticipated – informed the club through businessman Jorge Mendes that he wanted to resolve the matter before Portugal’s debut in the World Cup, relinquishing money to expedite an amicable termination and trying not to prolong the soap opera that dominated the roster’s days. And taking into account that Ronaldo had a contract until July 2023 and would earn around 18 million euros until then, it can be said that the Portuguese has given up a fortune
And if United does not pay for his departure, Ronaldo also avoided a lawsuit and possible compensation for damage to the club’s image. And he was free. According to what DN found out, without any restriction or hindrance in choosing the future club. Now you can sign for whoever you want and animate the global marketplace.
It took less than an hour for some potential (albeit unappealing) destinations for the five-time Golden Ball/The Best to be pushed forward. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and Premier League’s Newcastle… both owned by Mohammed Bin Salman, heir to the Saudi throne.
Although Ronaldo was quite biting with United on their way out, the Red Devils they thanked him for “his tremendous contribution during the two spells at Old Trafford in which he scored 145 goals in 346 games” and wished him “and his family all the very best for the future”. In a short statement, they also reminded that everyone “remains focused on continuing the evolution of the team under Erik ten Hag and working together towards success on the pitch”.
On his day off, Ronaldo launched a collaboration with the luxury watch brand on social media Jacob & Co and did not shy away from new controversy. All because the watch, worth €130,000, features an image of the iconic goal he scored for Real Madrid against Manchester United in February 2013 in the Champions League.
Back where you were happy…
Termination, even amicably, somehow hinders a successful career. That would not be what the player had in mind when he agreed to return to Old Trafford in 2021, where he had been happy from 2003 to 2009. But in a year everything changed🇧🇷 Last season, the team failed to help him stand out, with a performance that was below expectations – he finished 6th in the Premier League and failed to make the Champions League. But his 18 Premier League goals (and 24 in all competitions) said CR7’s individual brilliance was still able to solve some collective problems… but that’s not what happened.
Both Solskjaer and Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, who brought him back as a substitute, contributed to the annus horribilis Portuguese, who has never seen anything like it in his 20-year career. In this second period at Manchester United, Ronaldo played 54 official games and scored 27 goals. In 2022-23, he appeared in 16 games and started ten, having been the target of widespread criticism after refusing to participate in the pre-season with the team – something he justified with his midfielder’s illness. hospitalized daughter.
The return performances didn’t help. It didn’t help that he refused to come on against Tottenham with just two minutes left in the game. Controversy fueled until he himself promised to clarify everything in an interview, which happened last week. Speaking to Piers Morgan, he said the club stopped at prehistory and admitted he disrespected Ten Hag because he didn’t respect him either. CR7 also accused the club’s owners of only thinking about the club’s money. marketing.
Strong statements that for many were the path he chose to end, but justified with the need to shake the universe Red Devil. What will happen soon. According to sky news, the Glazers family are considering selling Manchester United. The North Americans are tired of the fans’ criticism and angry about the team’s poor results – the last achievement was in 2016/17, when they won the English League Cup and the Europa League with Jose Mourinho -, the North Americans seek advice on the process of selling the club, which may be in whole or in part or may result in a strategic partnership.
Arsenal is phase 2?
Piers Morgan, a journalist who interviewed Ronaldo and launched the termination operation, responded to the departure by offering a clue as to what he wanted CR7’s fate to be. “It’s time for stage 2,” he captioned an image of him appearing to be offering the Portuguese an Arsenal shirt with the number 7 on it. gunnerswho leads the Premier League.
More seriously, he revealed he talks to CR7 on a daily basis: “He’s at the World Cup now, on the biggest stage in the sport, he’s used to dealing with drama. If Manchester United fans are happy with his departure, they need to find out if they are mentally okay, because he remains one of the best attackers in the world.”
For Wayne Rooney (one of the targets in the interview): “It’s sad to see a player like Ronaldo, one of the greatest of all time, end up like this at Manchester”. But because of “the way he attacked the club, there was no other solution or outcome”. Now, with the official departure, “Ten Hag can focus on the players at his disposal and Ronaldo at the World Cup for Portugal,” said Rooney.
His friend and former colleague at United, Rio Ferdinand, assumed the termination was “best for both sides” but left a sting on the coach: “Ten Hag got what he wanted.”
Source: DN
