Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United will be 'delighted' with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the club.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo carried out an infamous interview with Piers Morgan, in which he claimed disrespected by manager Erik Ten Hag, the owners and structure of the club, while also slating former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney, it was a matter of when, not if, he will leave the club.
The five time Ballan Do'r winner has failed to earn a starting spot at Manchester United this season, with his role at the club becoming a huge debate for pundits and fans, as he was no longer a focal point of the team at his second stint at the club.
While the timing of the announcement may not be appreciated by Portugal, it will be a sigh of relief for the club that they can move on from this issue and focus on the matters on the pitch.
The 37-year-old released a statement following his departure thanking the fans during his time at the club.
"Following talks with Manchester United, we've mutually agreed to end out 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 Manchester United all the best. "
Rio Ferdinand Discusses His Exit
One former teammate that has constantly stuck up for the Portugal forward during this saga is Rio Ferdinand, who has been critical of the club's treatment of Ronaldo.
Speaking on BBC shortly after the news broke, Rio Ferdinand claimed that both the club and Manchester United will be 'delighted' that he has now left the club, but is unsure as to where his future now lies.
"I think that both parties will be delighted now. He obviously did the interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the football club. He Wasn't happy, he made that very clear.
But I also think that Erik Ten Hag has got what he wanted as well in this situation. Both parties are happy, move on. It is the next chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo.
It depends on what his motivation is. Is it to play in the Champions League? Is it money? Is it money? Is it to just continue playing somewhere with a nice climate? This will be going on behind the scenes and I'm sure we will find out in due course"
Ronaldo has been linked with several teams since last summer, where he was expected to leave the club. Premier League rivals Chelsea were among the rumoured destinations as they struggle for goals, while a return to Sporting Lisbon has also been rumoured.
At 37, a move to the MLS or the Middle East could be the way for to end is career, while a return to Real Madrid could also be on the cards.
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