Ronaldo parting ways with Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United “with immediate effect,” the Premier League club said Tuesday, days after he gave a controversial interview criticizing manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners.

It wasn’t known where the 37-year-old Ronaldo will go next after failing to move to a Champions League club in the summer.

“Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early,” Ronaldo said. “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, who is in Qatar with Portugal as he aims to win a first World Cup title for his country, has been left frustrated after being reduced to a fringe member of United’s team this season. The Portugal captain said he felt “betrayed” during the interview with Piers Morgan, which aired Thursday and in which he also was critical of younger players.

United’s American owners, the Glazer family, confirmed they will consider putting the club up for sale.

England forward Beth Mead sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Arsenal.