Ronaldo Parts Ways with Man Utd Ahead of World Cup Opening Match

Conflict with Coach Ten Hag and Consistent Unprofessional Attitude Lead to Breakdown
Suspected Uncomfortable Relationship with Bruno Fernandes as Well

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways with his club Manchester United ahead of the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On the 23rd (Korean time), Manchester United announced that Ronaldo would leave the team immediately by mutual agreement.

The breakup came as a result of a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, which led to a lack of commitment. Recently, Ronaldo even criticized Ten Hag and the club in a UK broadcast, making the split inevitable. Ronaldo said about Ten Hag, "Because he does not respect me, I feel the same way." He also criticized the club, saying, "Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the team, nothing has improved."

Local media analyzed that Manchester United likely secured legal grounds to terminate Ronaldo's contract after seeing this interview. The contract between both parties was set to expire in June next year. Manchester United had hesitated to terminate the contract due to the issue of paying Ronaldo's remaining wages. Ronaldo's weekly wage is over ?500,000 (about 780 million KRW). If he demanded wages for the remaining seven months, it would have put the club in a difficult position. Therefore, local media reported, "Both sides agreed not to engage in a legal battle or mudslinging, and Ronaldo's side agreed to accept this."

Thus, Ronaldo will take off the Manchester United jersey after one year and three months since his return in August last year. Ronaldo played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, growing into a global star. Afterward, he played for Real Madrid (Spain) and Juventus (Italy) before returning to Manchester United last year after 12 years. He performed well in the 2021-2022 English Premier League (EPL) season, scoring eighteen goals in thirty matches, but has shown little impact this season.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Manchester United expressed gratitude to Ronaldo, who made tremendous contributions by appearing in 346 matches and scoring 145 goals at Old Trafford, and wished him and his family good luck in the future. They added, "Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing to develop under manager Ten Hag and achieving success on the pitch."

Ronaldo is also suspected of having an uncomfortable relationship with Bruno Fernandes, who plays alongside him at Manchester United and the Portugal national team. As this affected the atmosphere of the national team upon arriving in Qatar, he spoke directly to the press on the 21st. "Controversies can sometimes shake players, but the team does not waver," he said, adding, "Please do not ask other players about me and only ask about the World Cup and the national team." Portugal will play their first Group H match of the Qatar World Cup against Ghana at 1 a.m. on the 25th.