Marcus Rashford has spoken out on Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure (Pictures: Getty)

Marcus Rashford says it was an ‘unbelievable experience’ to play with Cristiano Ronaldo and has wished his former team-mate ‘all the best’ following his departure from Manchester United.

United announced earlier this week that Portugal striker Ronaldo had left Old Trafford with immediate effect.

The decision comes after Ronaldo gave an extraordinary interview in which he slammed Manchester United’s owners and said he had ‘no respect’ for manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite the sour nature of Ronaldo’s exit, Rashford will look back at the Portuguese’s second spell at United fondly and has thanked him for his help on and off the pitch.

‘It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him,’ Rashford said from England’s World Cup camp in Qatar. ‘He is one of my idols and someone I always looked up to.

‘It’s something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he’s done for Manchester United.’

Ronaldo enjoyed a superb first spell at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009 when he lifted three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rashford enjoyed his time alongside Ronaldo (Picture: Getty)

The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward returned to United in the summer of 2021 and largely impressed in his first season at the club, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances.

But the 37-year-old enjoyed less success under new manager Ten Hag and had started just four of Manchester United’s 14 Premier League games before he decided to give a controversial interview to TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo will now hope to use the World Cup to find himself a new club, with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr reportedly willing to pay him more than £1m a week if he signs a three-year deal.

Portugal beat Ghana 3-2 in their opening match in Qatar, with Ronaldo’s opener seeing him become the first player to score in five men’s World Cups.

Fernando Santos’ side now face Uruguay and South Korea as they look to advance from Group H.

Manchester United forward Rashford, meanwhile, will turn his attentions to England’s final Group B clash against Wales on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions thrashed Iran 6-2 in their tournament opener but laboured to a goalless draw with USA last time out.

MORE : Man Utd and Arsenal keen to sign Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic

MORE : Casemiro messages Cristiano Ronaldo over Manchester United exit

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.