Rio Ferdinand says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United exit is ‘best for both parties’

Rio Ferdinand believes both Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo will be ‘happy’ with the troubled striker’s departure from Old Trafford.

United revealed that the Portugal captain – who is currently at the World Cup with his national team – would leave by mutual consent after conducting a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan in which he accused the club of ‘betraying’ him and that manager Erik ten Hag shows him a lack of respect.

Ronaldo is on the verge of a £16 million goodbye after the Red Devils ripped up his £500,000-a-week deal, with the club not paying him any compensation for the rest of the seven months of his deal.

Ferdinand – who played alongside Ronaldo for six years and is close friends with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – feels the decision was the best for both sides and claimed Ronaldo had a departure in his sights when he agreed to do the interview . .

“I think both sides will be delighted,” he told the BBC as he acted as pundit at the World Cup.

“He did the interview with the mindset that he wanted to leave the club. He was not happy and he made it very clear. Also happy for Erik ten Hag, he got what he wanted in this situation. Both are happy.’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Man United was ‘the best for both sides’ says Rio Ferdinand (R)

Ronaldo has left Old Trafford by mutual consent after his scathing statement about the club

Asked about Ronaldo’s next move, Ferdinand added: “It depends on what the motivation is to determine where he goes. Is it Champions League money? This will be planned behind the scenes and I’m sure we’ll find out.”

Ferdinand later tweeted his thoughts, writing, “Just saw the Cristiano news… the best for both parties!”

United confirmed the news in a brief 67-word statement on Tuesday night. It read: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement, effective immediately.

The club thanks him for his tremendous contribution during two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.

“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to achieve success on the pitch.”

Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: “Following talks with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to terminate our contract early.

“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never change. However, it feels like the right time for me to look for a new challenge.

“I wish the team every success for the rest of the season and for the future.”

Ferdinand and Ronaldo played together at Old Trafford for six years between 2003 and 2009

Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticized the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates in the interview.

United wanted to deal with Ronaldo as quickly as possible and only needed four days to show him the door. However, the club was reluctant to get caught up in an improper lawsuit involving one of their greatest ever players.

The Glazers, managing director Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and Ten Hag have decided that Ronaldo has burned his bridges at Old Trafford and there is no way back for him at the club.

They rejected the idea of ​​more disciplinary action after Ronaldo was dropped last month and forced to train alone for running away during the win over Tottenham and refusing to come on as a substitute.

Ronaldo appeared at a Portuguese press conference this week to say he had no regrets about his controversial interview and claimed to be ‘bulletproof’.

Ronaldo attacked manager Erik ten Hag, the owners of the club and the youngsters in a noncommittal interview with Piers Morgan

Portugal’s World Cup campaign starts on Thursday evening against Ghana in Group H

“I’m bulletproof – I’m wearing an iron suit,” said Ronaldo. “In my life, the best timing is always my timing. I don’t have to think about what other people think. I speak when I want.

“The players have known me very well for years and know what type of person I am and what I believe in.

“It’s an ambitious bunch that’s hungry and focused. So I’m sure it (the interview) won’t shake the concentration and focus of the locker room.

“Stop asking my teammates about me. If you asked other players about Cristiano Ronaldo I would be upset. If you want to ask them about the World Cup and the team, I’d like you to do that.’