Cristiano Ronaldo is free to join a new club after his Manchester United contract was terminated (Getty)
Chelsea are among the frontrunners to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after Manchester United terminated his contract on Tuesday.
United moved at significant speed to end Ronaldo’s deal after the 37-year-old slammed Erik ten Hag and the club’s hierarchy during a two-part interview with Piers Morgan last week.
Ronaldo’s contract, which still had seven months left to run and was worth in excess of £500,000 a week, has now been torn up, meaning he will be free to join a new club after the World Cup.
Chelsea explored the possibility of signing Ronaldo in the summer window but while the club’s co-owner, Todd Boehly was keen on the idea, Thomas Tuchel turned down the opportunity to bring the 37-year-old into his squad.
Tuchel has since been sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, which could open the door for Chelsea to make a fresh move.
But it’s Sporting CP, who are Ronaldo’s boyhood club, who are currently favourites to sign their former prodigy.
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S NEXT CLUB ODDS
Sporting CP 3/1
Chelsea 4/1
Any MLS club 6/1
Bayern Munich 17/2
Napoli 12/1
Newcastle United 12/1
Roma 16/1
Paris Saint Germain 20/1
Real Madrid 20/1
Atletico Madrid 25/1
Arsenal 25/1
Manchester City 25/1
(Odds via Betfair)
A statement from United on Tuesday evening 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.’
More: Sport
A statement from Ronaldo read: ‘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.’
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Ronaldo is now free to join a new club.
