Man United announce Cristiano Ronaldo has LEFT the club by mutual consent in a 67-word statement, with no mention of his bombshell interview as they hail his 'immense contribution'

Manchester United have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club with immediate effect but have made no mention of his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

The announcement comes as a result of the 37-year-old's two-part interview with Morgan on TalkTV last week.

A 67-word statement from Manchester United read on Tuesday: '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.'

Ronaldo's interview with Morgan saw the Red Devils explore the possibility of terminating Ronaldo's contract seven months early without paying any of the £16million he is predicted to earn by June 2023.

United believed Ronaldo had violated his terms of employment with his criticism of the club's US owners, manager Erik ten Hag, the club's facilities, his team-mates and former Red Devils players including Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.

The announcement comes just two days before Ronaldo kicks off Portugal's World Cup finals campaign against Ghana.