adminMANCHESTER United said goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo with a blunt farewell message in their matchday programme for their Carabao Cup tie against Burnley on Wednesday night.
The magazine made reference to the 37-year-old’s high-profile exit last month, which occurred after the Portugal star appeared in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo accused the 13-time Premier League champions and Erik ten Hag of “betraying” him, leading to a mutual parting of the ways just before the World Cup in Qatar. And ahead of their first competitive match since the former Real Madrid and Juventus winger left the club for the second time, United acknowledged his departure with a short 81-word message.
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.
“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.”
Despite interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, who have confirmed their colossal bid for the Portugal legend, Ronaldo remains a free agent.
Red Devils boss Ten Hag insisted that the saga is now in the past during the club’s tour of Spain. He said: “He’s gone and it’s the past. We are not lowing forward and we’re looking to the future.”
United fared perfectly well without the five-time Ballor d’Or winner on Wednesday night as they breezed past Vincent Kompany and Burnley 2-0 at Old Trafford.
World Cup stars Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford scored either side of half-time to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition, the draw for which will take place on Thursday night. – Daily Star
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter