Rio Gavin Ferdinand

[zudomiriku]

'His legendary status DOESN'T change': Rio Ferdinand insists Cristiano Ronaldo will still be remembered as an all-time great at Manchester United after his ugly exit was confirmed with his contract terminated

* Manchester United has announced Cristiano Ronaldo has left by mutual consent
* The outcast forward gave a bombsell interview with Piers Morgan last week
* His old team-mate Rio Ferdinand believes the exit is good for both parties
* He feels Ronaldo was set on leaving when he agreed to conduct the interview

Rio Ferdinand believes Cristiano Ronaldo has kept his 'legendary' status at Manchester United intact after a harmonious agreement was met between the superstar and the Premier League giants to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

United revealed the Portugal captain - who is currently with his national team at the World Cup - would be leaving by mutual consent after he conducted a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan accusing the club of 'betraying' him and that manager Erik ten Hag showed him a lack of respect.

Ronaldo is set to kiss goodbye to £16million after the Red Devils ripped up his £500,000-a-week deal, with the club not understood to be paying him any compensation for the remainder of the seven months on 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 one for both parties and claimed Ronaldo had an exit in his sights when he agreed to do the interview.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five Youtube channel in the aftermath of the club's 'legendary' number seven, Ferdinand claimed his status as one of Man United's all-time greats doesn't change despite the star's ugly departure.

'It doesn't detract from Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy at the football club, what he has achieved, his legendary status there I believe doesn't change at all.

'The measure of what he was when he was in the red shirt playing football, what he done and the amount of successful moments and trophies he brought to the club when he was here. Became the best player in the world while being at Man United, these things you can't take out of history.

Ferdinand went on to add that both club and player will be 'delighted' with the final agreement that has seen a mutual agreement secure an easily negotiated termination of his contract.

'I think both parties will be delighted,' he told the BBC while acting as a pundit during the World Cup.

'He did interview with mindset he wanted to get out the club. He wasn't happy and he made it very clear. Also happy for Erik ten Hag, he has got what he wanted in this situation. Both are happy.'


Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from Man United was 'best for both parties', says Rio Ferdinand. Ronaldo has left Old Trafford by mutual consent after his damning verdict about the club

When asked about Ronaldo's next move, Ferdinand added: 'It depends what the motivation is as to where he goes next. Is it Champions League, money? This will be getting planned out behind the scenes and I'm sure we will find out.'

Ferdinand later tweeted his thoughts, writing: 'Just seen the Cristiano news... best for both parties!'

United confirmed the news in a brief 67-word statement on Tuesday night. It read: '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, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

'Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.'

Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: '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.'


Ferdinand and Ronaldo spent six years together at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009

Ronaldo's position at the club became untenable after he criticised the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his team-mates in the interview.

United wanted to deal with Ronaldo as swiftly as possible and took just four days to show him the door. However, the club were reluctant to become embroiled in an unseemly court battle with one of their greatest ever players.

The Glazers, chief executive Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough and Ten Hag decided that Ronaldo has burnt his bridges at Old Trafford and there is no way back for him at the club.

They rejected the idea of more disciplinary action after Ronaldo was dropped and made to train on his own last month for walking out during the win over Tottenham having refusing to come on as a substitute.

Ronaldo this week appeared at a Portugal press conference to say he did not regret his controversial interview and claimed to be 'bulletproof'.

'I am bulletproof — I wear an iron suit,' said Ronaldo. 'In my life, the best timing is always my timing. I don't have to think about what other people think. I speak when I want.

'The players know me really well for many years and know the type of person I am and what I believe in.

'It's an ambitious group that is hungry and focused. So I'm sure it (the interview) won't shake the dressing room's concentration and focus.

'Stop asking my team-mates about me. If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo, I would be upset. If you want to ask them about the World Cup and the team, I would like you to do that.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11458461/Rio-Ferdinand-says-Cristiano-Ronaldos-Manchester-United-exit-best-parties.html