Cristiano Ronaldo is looking for a new club after his Manchester United exit (Reuters)
Piers Morgan has urged Arsenal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old was sacked by Manchester United on Tuesday.
In the wake of Ronaldo’s extensive interview with Morgan last week in which he slammed Erik ten Hag and United’s hierarchy, the club have terminated the forward’s deal which had seven months remaining and was worth in excess of £500,000 a week.
The decision means Ronaldo is now free to join a new club after the World Cup after failing to secure a move away from United in the summer.
Chelsea, Sporting CP and a switch to Major League Soccer have all been touted as possible destinations for Ronaldo this winter.
But Morgan, who is a lifelong Arsenal fan, has urged the Gunners to snap up Ronaldo on a free transfer.
Tweeting after Ronaldo’s United exit was confirmed, Morgan posted a picture of the 37-year-old holding up an Arsenal shirt with his name and number on the back, along with the caption: ‘Time for Phase 2’.
Speaking to talkSPORT earlier this month, Morgan explained why he would bring Ronaldo into Arsenal’s squad with Mikel Arteta’s side currently topping the Premier League.
‘Gabriel Jesus needs a scoring partner next to him, and Jesus’ heat map is so outrageous,’ Morgan said.
‘He [Jesus] covers so much ground, actually what we [Arsenal] need is a fox in the box, a world class player with bags of experience, who has won everything, and to help us get over the line.
‘I can think of somebody – Cristiano Ronaldo.
‘I would take him for six-months in a heartbeat, and this idea of that Ronaldo can’t suddenly play football, I’m sorry, it’s laughable.’
Meanwhile, a statement from Ronaldo on Tuesday 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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A statement from United on Ronaldo’s departure 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.’
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‘Time for Phase 2.’