Professional football club Manchester United has confirmed that their contract with Christiano Ronaldo has come to an end with immediate effect.

"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."

Ronaldo himself has released a statement, confirming the time is right to seek a new challenge. 

"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."

The club is said to have been furious after a controversial interview in which the 37-year-old criticized the club and said he had "no respect" for manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals in 346 appearances for United, left Juventus to rejoin the Old Trafford club in August 2021 - 11 years after he left to join Real Madrid.