London, Nov. 23: Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect, the Premier League side said on Tuesday, marking a bitter end to the Portugal captain's second spell at Old Trafford.

According to Reuters, an explosive interview with TalkTV this month -- in which Ronaldo said he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag -- had put him on shaky ground at the club he rejoined in August 2021 after winning eight major trophies with them from 2003-2009.

Cristiano Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United was "like a ticking timebomb," BBC quoted the club's former captain Rio Ferdinand as saying.

"When he mentioned in August he was going to reveal some of the details behind the scenes, this was almost like a ticking timebomb.”

According to the BBC, both parties have "mutually agreed" for Ronaldo to leave the club with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, the club reportedly issued a statement confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo will 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," the statement added.

"Everyone at United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."-Agencies