Manchester United has confirmed that it has terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at the club.
It will come as no surprise to many football fans out there that the Portuguese star's time at the club was coming to an end.
He recently gave an in-depth interview to Piers Morgan, in which he criticised United's inner workings, including its ownership and its coach.
And now, the club has come out and announced that the 37-year-old will be leaving.
A statement from Manchester United, which was published this evening, reads: "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."
In a statement, Ronaldo said: "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."
It's been a tense period between United's hierarchy and Ronaldo over recent months, with him close to leaving during the summer.
But things came to a head last week when he sat down with Morgan to discuss how he feels about his treatment at the club.
When asked if he thinks United is trying to force him out of the club, Ronaldo told Morgan: “Yes, not only the coach but the other two or three guys - they’re around the club.”
Morgan replied: “At the senior executive level?”
Ronaldo said: “Yes. That I felt betrayed.”
The talk show host asked the former Ballon d'Or winner if he felt United was trying to get rid of him.
Instead of doubling down, Ronald clarified his earlier comment: “Honestly, I shouldn't say that, I don't know.
"But listen, I - I don't care, I'm always… People should listen to the truth.
"Yes, I feel betrayed. And I felt that some people, they don't want me here. Not only this year, but last year too.”
The forward was asked why he felt compelled to open up about his dealings with United now and he said it was finally time 'to say something'.
But that wasn't the only damning part of the interview.
Ronaldo had some choice words for the people who manage the football club and criticised its lack of growth over the years.
“I don't know what's going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero," he said.
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Topics: Manchester United, Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sport, UK News, Twitter
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