Avram Glazer has thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for his contribution to Manchester United after the club’s decision to terminate his contract this week.
- Kevin De Bruyne explains bust-up with Alderweireld after Belgium beat Canada
- Bruno Fernandes reacts to Man Utd’s decision to terminate Ronaldo’s contract
- Brazil starting line-up vs Serbia leaked ahead of World Cup 2022 opener
The 37-year-old’s interview with Piers Morgan proved to be the final straw for United who found the forward to be in breach of contract after his derogatory comments aimed at the manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo also criticised the Glazer family for presiding over a period of huge decline in the years that have followed Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
When asked for a response to Ronaldo’s barbs, Glazer declined the chance to take aim at the former United star and instead wished him well in his future endeavours.
‘I’m going to tell you about Cristiano Ronaldo,’ Glazer told Sky News. ‘He’s a great Manchester United player, I appreciate everything he’s done for the club and I wish him the best luck in the future.’
Ronaldo is set to make his World Cup bow for Portugal this afternoon today against Ghana having eschewed the pre-match press conference amid the rumours surrounding his future.
‘I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side,’ Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo’s ex-club teammate, told reporters on Wednesday.
‘It’s been an honour to play alongside him for club and country. It was a dream come true, but nothing lasts forever. ‘Here everybody is focused on the World Cup. Everyone is aware of what it means to represent our country.’
It has been a crazy week at Old Trafford with news of Ronaldo’s exit swiftly followed by confirmation of the Glazer family’s decision to explore the possibility of a sale after 17 years at the helm.
Asked why he felt the time was right to stand aside and seek new investment, Glazer added: ‘As we announced yesterday, the board went through a process and it has decided it has going to look at different strategic alternatives and that’s what we’re doing.
‘We’ve gone through a process, we’ve gone through all different strategic alternatives and we’ll see where that leads us.’
