Cristiano Ronaldo has officially left Manchester United by mutual consent.

The decision made by the club and player comes a short time after the bombshell interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

The Portuguese superstar was heavily critical of manager Erik ten Hag during his 90 minute chat with Morgan, while he also took a swipe at United's owners, the Glazer family.

Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about Messi & Ten Hag in second part of Piers Morgan interview

As such, his position at the club became untenable.

Ronaldo only re-joined United in the summer of 2021 from Juventus and he enjoyed a brilliant first season back at the club.

He scored 24 goals across all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League - which saw him secure a spot in the division's Team of the Season for 2021/22.

But Ronaldo's fairytale return to Old Trafford has now ended on the sourest of notes, with the 37-year-old superstar now a free agent.

And that will save United around £500,000-a-week in wages...

Man Utd's statement confirming Ronaldo's departure

United's statement on the matters reads: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.

"(The club) wishes him & his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag & working together to deliver success on the pitch."

Ronaldo's statement on Man Utd exit

A statement from Ronaldo, who is currently at the 2022 World Cup with Portugal, reads: “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.

“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”

So, once Ronaldo is done trying to win the Qatar World Cup with Portugal, he'll be looking for a new club.

Could that club be Chelsea? Who knows, but the Blues expressed an interest in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back in the summer and are in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer.

Graham Potter's side are also through to the knockout stage of the 2022/23 Champions League, which is something Ronaldo will surely try and demand from his new employers.

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