Cristiano Ronaldo next team odds: Sporting Lisbon favored to add Portugal superstar after release from Manchester United
There's big news in the soccer world today, and we aren't talking about Argentina's shocking upset against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup from Qatar. Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has wanted his release from Premier League side Manchester United for months and has been granted his wish just two days before Portugal takes the field in its World Cup opener against Ghana.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo conducted a very critical interview prior to the World Cup in which he accused Manchester United officials of betrayal and took shots at head coach Erik ten Hag and the club's hierarchy. Ronaldo's allegations included that he is being forced out by the club, that senior executives lacked empathy after his newborn son died in April, that the owners, the Glazer family (also owns the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers), do not care about the club and that ten Hag did not respect him.
United had appointed lawyers to explore potential action against Ronaldo for alleged breach of contract – he was making a reported £500,000 weekly -- but opted to simply let him walk away. Under the terms of the agreement there are no restrictions on where Ronaldo can play next.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," the club said. "The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford."
Moments after the club's announcement, Ronaldo issued his own statement confirming the break. Ronaldo joined United for a second time in 2021, scoring 19 goals in 40 appearances. He previously played for the team from 2003-09, scoring 94 goals in 196 appearances. Ronaldo has been relegated to a reserve role for most of this season, having been on the field for fewer than 45 minutes in seven games, with just one goal scored.
"Following talks with Manchester United, we've mutually agreed to end our contract," he said, per Fabrizio Romano. "I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best."
Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Cristiano Ronaldo Next Team Odds
- Sporting Lisbon +300
- Chelsea +350
- Any MLS team +600
- Bayern Munich +700
- Real Madrid +900
- PSG +1000
- Napoli +1200
- Roma +1500
- AC Milan +1800
- Manchester City +2000
- Atletico Madrid +2200
- Newcastle +2500
- Al Hilal +2500
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