'Best for both parties': Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney lead reactions to Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United exit

Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United exit was confirmed on Tuesday night, it was a long-time coming as the Portuguese skipper left the Red Devils infuriated by his comments in an interview with Piers Morgan, wherein he gave a controversial verdict about the club, head coach Erik Ten Hag and others. 

The Red Devils confirmed Ronaldo would leave the club with immediate effect after agreeing to mutually terminate his contract with United. 

After Ronaldo's exit was confirmed, the news broke out on Twitter and there was a flurry of reactions on social media. The 37-year-old's former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney reached to the news and felt that it was the best possible solution for both parties. 

READ| Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, club statement confirms

The Portuguese skipper wanted to leave United before the season began but didn't get any concrete offers, although his explosive interview with Morgan seems to have done the trick as Ten Hag would have wanted Ronaldo gone as soon as he knew about what he had said. 

Just seen the Cristiano news… best for both parties! @ManUtd @Cristiano

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 22, 2022

Being one of the biggest names in world football, Ronaldo's exit became a major talking point on social media, but his former teammates Ferdinand and Rooney felt it was the only way forward. 

Ferdinand tweeted, "Just seen the Cristiano news… best for both parties!"

READ| Explainer: Know all about the ongoing war of words between Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney

Rooney also echoed the comments and wished his former teammate well for his next adventure. 

"I think it's sad, sad to see one of the best players of all time, a former teammate and friend go away. The club had no option and it has to happen. It's a shame, I wish him the best for wherever he goes," said Rooney while speaking on Sports18. 

"I still felt that he had a part to play at United, he wanted to continue his career elsewhere. It's probably the best for both parties," added Rooney further. 

READ| Cristiano Ronaldo bombshell interview: What Ronaldo alleged, how Manchester United responded

Check how fans reacted to Ronaldo leaving United:

The Newcastle game, Villareal last minute winner, Atalanta winner, Spurs Hatrick, Brilliant Strike vs Brighton, Arsenal brace.

Was it worth it seeing him back in red? Yes for me.

Thank you @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/gH01687mDA

— (@TenHagBalI) November 22, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo's last goal for Manchester United...#UEL pic.twitter.com/s9Ri9R8IHI

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 22, 2022

Thanks for the memories king, we’ll always love you @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/U8ngGXrpiG

— Trey (@UTDTrey) November 22, 2022

 912 points
 85 goals
 33 assists@Cristiano was a great #FPL asset over the years for @ManUtd! pic.twitter.com/Tlh9KmoAZN

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 22, 2022

It's an emotionally complex one. Overall I'm glad I witnessed @Cristiano play another fourteen months for Manchester United.

I'm glad that when he made history and became the greatest goalscorer in the men's game, he was wearing the badge of the club that made him who he is. pic.twitter.com/rbDTPuGmOb

— Wayne Barton (@WayneSBarton) November 22, 2022

Chelsea and Real Madrid have been rumoured to have an interest in Ronaldo, but it remains to be seen which team he joins next, after becoming a free-agent.