KEY POINTS

  • Cristiano Ronaldo recently parted ways with Man Utd
  • Ronaldo has been one of Rashford's idols
  • Both Rashford and Ronaldo are currently playing in the World Cup 2022

Marcus Rashford has broken the silence on Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure from Manchester United.

Ronaldo, in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, criticized Manchester United and their head coach Erik ten Hag, saying he "did not respect" the Dutch boss. Following this, the Old Trafford club announced it had parted ways with the Portuguese forward on mutual consent.

Despite Ronaldo's controversial exit from Manchester United, his young teammate Rashford praised him, saying it was an "unbelievable experience" playing alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him. He is one of my idols and someone I always looked up to. It's something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he's done for Manchester United," Rashford told reporters in Qatar.

Ronaldo had an excellent first spell at Old Trafford that lasted six years from 2003 to 2009. He helped the side win three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson. Ronaldo rose as a soccer star with the Red Devils before moving to Real Madrid ahead of the 2009-10 campaign, where his career shot up to the next level.

The Portuguese forward returned to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 and had an impressive first season in his second spell. Ronaldo finished the season as the Red Devils' highest scorer with 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.

But Ronaldo had a frustrating run under Manchester United's new manager Ten Hag as he started just four of the club's 14 Premier League games. He will now be able to move to any club on a free transfer in the January winter window.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after a chance goes begging for Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo's first spell at Man Utd was from 2003 to 2009 AFP / Lindsey Parnaby

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr are preparing to offer Ronaldo a lucrative deal after the World Cup, reported CBSSports. It will be a three-year contract, which would see the Portuguese striker play into his 40s. Al Nassr's interest in Ronaldo is reportedly "stronger than ever." The terms on offer for Ronaldo are around $75 million a year.

Talks between the Saudi club and Ronaldo, which began over the summer, are believed to have been advanced, but the club is still awaiting the star striker's final decision.

Soccer