Moments after Manchester United confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo has mutually parted ways with the club, supporters of the Red Devils recalled iconic commentator Peter Drury's poetic introduction to the Portuguese talisman on his return to Old Trafford in September 2021.
Bringing an iconic relationship to an end, Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday parted ways after the Premier League giants terminated the Portuguese talisman's contract by mutual consent. The move from the Red Devils came just days after the 37-year-old icon slammed the club in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
"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," read the official announcement. "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."
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.
"Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," read a statement from Ronaldo himself.
"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner added.
In a 90-minute long interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Ronaldo slammed United for betraying him, spoke about his rocky relationship with Ten Hag, the abysmal state of affairs at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson's exit and more. The interview, aired just before the Qatar World Cup 2022, sparked massive outrage among football enthusiasts who took potshots at the legend for disgracing the club he joined as a teenager in 2003.
However, a few supporters recalled veteran commentator Peter Drury's poetic introduction to Ronaldo when he made a sensational return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021. The match was as perfect a comeback for the Portuguese legend as one can imagine, as he scored a brace and helped his team win 4-1 against Newcastle.
The 2nd Manchester United debut of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Peter Drury: *A walking work of art, vintage, beyond valuation, beyond forgery or imitation, 18 years..... Cr7, reunited* pic.twitter.com/mmvhfFE292
Drury, behind the mic for the game, said as Ronaldo walked into the field, "It is Ronaldo. Manchester United. The Theatre is living its dream. Madeira, Manchester, Madrid, Turin & Manchester again. Reeved in Red. Restored to this great gallery of the game. A walking work of art. Vintage, beyond valuation, beyond forgery or imitation, eighteen years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease, first tiptoed on to the historic stage, now in his immaculate maturity, now CR7 reunited."
"Ronaldo leaving, but with Peter Drury commentary," one fan remembers the iconic moment. Another added, "I can never forget how that Ronaldo return felt that day. Chills all day long. A legend of the game walking down the aisle with Peter Drury as the poet. A moment for the ages."
A third fan stated, "Ronaldo's contract termination clearly states that the things he spoke in the interview is 100% true.Ronaldo will always be a true man utd legend, for his realest fans. His comeback will always be remembered by the iconic commentary from Peter Drury..!!"
Here's a look at some of the other reactions by United lovers moments after Ronaldo ended his relationship with the Premier League giants:
Ronaldo leaving, but with Peter Drury commentary.
— Gavin. (@NawrMewnMunud)I can never forget how that Ronaldo return felt that day. Chills all day long. A legend of the game walking down the aisle with Peter Drury as the poet.
A moment for the ages.
Ronaldo's contract termination clearly states that the things he spoke in the interview is 100% true.Ronaldo will always be a true man utd legend, for his realest fans. His comeback will always be remembered by the iconic commentary from Peter Drury..!! pic.twitter.com/7vMrktBBbf
— N7852 (@N7852)Thank You For
This...❤
Hence Proved Again For The Nth Time That Truth And Loyal Persons Are The Most Hated... You Are The Greatest ManUtd And Greatest In The World Ever...
Thank You For All The Memories...!!! pic.twitter.com/6vxULrInvL
Cristiano Ronaldo to Leave Manchester United by Mutual consent with immediate effect.
But nothing will ever erase the excitement, hope & emotions we all felt when Peter Drury was introducing him back at Old Trafford.
The best day of most ManUtd fans🐐pic.twitter.com/aJ2A38TpFf
Thank You Ronaldo
Reeve in Red... Walking Work of Art.
Beyond value or imitation.. Peter Drury is a Past Dream.
Sadly, He moves on from Manchester United. Eric Ten Haag will be forgotten in five years. wont. Best from Indian Sports Fans. pic.twitter.com/54mlUqWdcq
Peter Drury commentary on Ronaldo’s return to United will always be his best ♥️
— Naresh Babu (@naresh_babu_)“Cristiano Ronaldo, Weaved in RED, restored to this great gallery of the game, A WALKING WORK OF ART, Vintage, beyond valuation, beyond forgery or imitation”
- Peter Drury pic.twitter.com/711qvHO1HY
Did not work out completely the way I envisioned. But nonetheless, that Newcastle game at OT on the day of his return with Peter Drury commenting on it, will still remain as one of the best memories I have with this club. https://t.co/fzifu6bL6n
— Akshay (@dsakshay1207)The only glorious thing about Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United was that Peter Drury’s introduction
— Deeny (@shamsunasir)