Cristiano Ronaldo: Five possible destinations for him after Manchester United exit

The Portuguese striker is a free agent after being released by the club on Tuesday

Cristiano Ronaldo has been released by Manchester United following his controversial TV interview.

A controversial TV interview where the Portuguese star criticised manager Erik ten Hag and the club hierarchy has brought a premature end to his second spell at Old Trafford.

A club statement read: “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.

“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.”

Here we look at five possible destinations for him:

Chelsea

While it never got beyond initial conversations over the summer, Chelsea sounded Ronaldo out about a potential switch that the Portugal ace was reportedly open to.

Former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel was not thought to be keen on the switch but he is long gone and with successor Graham Potter suffering a rocky start at Stamford Bridge, the idea could once again appeal to Todd Boehly’s ownership group.

Money should not be a major stumbling block and if the opportunity arose, the chance to end his Premier League journey on a high could be irresistible.

Sporting

Ronaldo became a global star during his first period with United but it was Sporting that helped cultivate his early talent.

The forward has regularly been linked with a return to the club he left aged 18 and retains a strong connection with the Primeira Liga side, who have a section dedicated to him in their museum and renamed their academy training facilities after him.

The player’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, has previously said she wants to eventually see him back playing for the Lisbon club.

Roma

Dropping into the Europa League may not be Ronaldo’s first preference and Roma’s current league position of seventh means a league trophy looks a long shot.

But the presence of compatriot Jose Mourinho in the dugout could be intriguing. The pair enjoyed great success together at Real Madrid, harbour similar frustrations about their treatment by United and may decide to put their star power together in one last roll of the dice.

Saudi Arabia

When Ronaldo last appeared to be on the way out of Old Trafford over the summer, none of Europe’s elite swooped for the aging star

A swathe of names were mentioned as potential destinations but the only offer came from Saudi Arabia.

It is reported that Al Hilal were the club who approached Ronaldo about a potential two-year deal worth 275million euros (£233.4million). That was not attractive enough then but perhaps things are different now.

Major League Soccer

A number of European football’s biggest names have taken up the option of seeing out their days in the United States, with the likes Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney among their number.

Ronaldo’s A-list status would make him the kind of draw that could pull serious commercial interest in MLS and the lifestyle across the Atlantic would hardly put off a player who long ago became a crossover celebrity.

LAFC, Los Angeles Galaxy and Beckham’s Inter Miami have all been touted as potential suitors.