When Did Ronaldo Leave Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo terminated his Manchester United contract by mutual agreement on November 22, 2022, ending his second spell at the club. His departure followed a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, and he joined Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League shortly after. The move marked his exit from the Premier League and European football, with his last appearance for United occurring in November 2022. The transfer was confirmed by Manchester United official statements and later reported by outlets such as Forbes, which detailed the financial implications of the split read more.
Ronaldo had initially returned to Manchester United in August 2021 from Juventus, signing a two-year deal with an option for a third year. His second stint ended prematurely after less than two seasons, making him one of the highest-profile mid-season departures in Premier League history. The club cited a breach of contract following his interview, while Ronaldo cited a desire to pursue a new challenge. The exit triggered contract negotiations with several clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo Departure Details and Contract Termination
Manchester United confirmed Ronaldo's departure on November 22, 2022, stating the contract was terminated by mutual consent. His release clause and financial settlement were not officially disclosed, but reports suggested a significant severance package. The termination came after Ronaldo refused to warm down during a match against Tottenham and later gave an interview criticizing the club's management. The events led to a swift separation, with Ronaldo training separately from the first team in the final weeks of his tenure source.
The financial impact of Ronaldo's exit included a loss of his estimated 480,000 weekly wage, which was among the highest in the Premier League at the time. Manchester United also lost significant commercial and shirt revenue associated with his global brand. The club's stock and sponsorship discussions were influenced by the negative publicity surrounding his departure. Financial analysts noted that while the wage bill decreased, the short-term commercial impact was a key concern for the club's management.
Ronaldo Move to Al Nassr and Career After United
On December 30, 2022, Ronaldo signed a contract with Al Nassr in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the highest-paid athlete in the world at the time. His deal was reported to be worth approximately 200 million dollars per year, including a guaranteed salary and performance bonuses. He made his Al Nassr debut in January 2023, scoring in a cup match and quickly becoming the centerpiece of the club's strategy. The transfer signaled a major shift in global football economics, with Saudi Arabia investing heavily in top-tier talent official club.
Since leaving United, Ronaldo has continued to break scoring records in the Saudi Pro League, leading Al Nassr to domestic titles and continental competition. His move has been cited as a landmark moment for the Saudi football league's global ambitions and commercial growth. The transfer also prompted discussions about the financial sustainability of European clubs and the role of state-backed investment in sports. Ronaldo's post-United career remains a central topic in sports business and transfer market analysis SEC filings.