DOHA/LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal against Ghana at the World Cup on Thursday as a free man.

The 37-year-old was cleared to direct all his attention on his last finals after Manchester United announced that he is to leave the club with immediate effect.

This was the inevitable outcome of the collapse in relations between club and player after his outspoken television interview.

United said: “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 rejoined United for a second spell last year but his age meant that he never had a long-term future at Old Trafford under new manager Erik ten Hag.

The player’s own statement 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.”

Ronaldo told the media in Qatar on Monday that he will “speak when he wants” and his fall-out with United would not “shake” the Portugal squad.

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

He had seven months remaining on his £500,000-a-week contract with United and his departure leaves him free to sign for another club, including one in the Premier League, when the transfer window opens in January.

##############