Rio Ferdinand says Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United is “the best for both parties” as he claims his former teammate did his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan “to get out of the club”.
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Rio Ferdinand believes that both Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo will be “delighted” with the departure of the troubled striker from Old Trafford.
United revealed that the Portugal captain, who is currently with his national team in the World Cup, would be leaving by mutual consent after conducting an explosive interview with Piers Morgan accusing the club of ‘betraying’ him and being told by manager Erik ten Hag showed a lack of respect.
Ronaldo is set to say goodbye to £16m after the Red Devils broke his £500,000-a-week contract, and it is not known that the club will pay him any compensation for the rest of the seven months of his deal.
Ferdinand, who played alongside Ronaldo for six years and is close friends with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, feels the decision was the best for both parties and said Ronaldo had a way out when he agreed to do the interview. .
“I think both parties will be delighted,” he told the BBC while acting as a commentator during the World Cup.
He did an interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the club. He wasn’t happy and he made it very clear. Also happy for Erik ten Hag, he has what he wanted in this situation. They are both happy.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Man United was ‘the best for both parties’, says Rio Ferdinand (R)
Ronaldo has left Old Trafford by mutual consent following his damning verdict on the club
When asked about Ronaldo’s next move, Ferdinand added: “It depends on what the motivation is as to where he goes next.” Is it Champions League, money? This will be planned behind the scenes and I’m sure we’ll find out.
United confirmed the news in a brief 67-word statement on Tuesday night. He said: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United by mutual consent, with immediate effect.
The club thanks him for his immense contribution during two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to achieve success on the pitch.”
Ronaldo issued his own statement following the news, writing: “Following discussions with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to terminate our contract early.
I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never change. However, it seems that the time is right to look for a new challenge.
“I wish the team every success for the rest of the season and for the future.”
Ronaldo attacked manager Erik ten Hag, the club’s owners and the youngsters in an unrestricted interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticized the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates in the interview.
United wanted to negotiate with Ronaldo as quickly as possible and it only took him four days to show him in the door. However, the club was reluctant to get involved in an unseemly court battle with one of the best players in its history.
The Glazers, chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and Ten Hag have decided that Ronaldo has burned his bridges at Old Trafford and there is no going back for him at the club.
They rejected the idea of further disciplinary action after Ronaldo was ruled out and forced to train alone last month for leaving during the win over Tottenham and refusing to come on as a substitute.
More to follow.