Watch Cristiano Ronaldo train for first time as free agent as unemployed Portugal star prepares for Ghana World Cup game
PA
CRISTIANO RONALDO trained for the first time today since his contract was ripped up by Manchester United.
The 37-year-old is now a free agent following his Old Trafford departure.
PACristiano Ronaldo trained for the first time today since his Manchester United exit[/caption]
ReutersDespite being without a club, Ronaldo looked happy on the training pitch[/caption]
Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan all-but confirmed the end of his second United spell, although his exit only became official on Tuesday.
Despite being one of the club’s modern day greats, the Portugal star was given just a 67-word statement.
It said: “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.
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“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.”
But Ronaldo has no time to dwell on his situation at club level, with Portugal’s World Cup opener less than 24 hours away.
And the forward, who hasn’t played since United’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa more than two weeks ago, is now focusing on their meeting with Ghana.
Despite his lack of game-time generally this season, Ronaldo is still set to lead the line for his country, who’ll be hoping to make a winning start.
If he does feature, he’ll become just the eighth player to feature at five World Cups, with his great rival Lionel Messi only achieving that feat earlier this week.
Ronaldo has seven goals in 17 games in football’s greatest show.
