Sporting Lisbon favourites with the bookies to sign Ronaldo after Man Utd split

Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to make an emotional return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon after leaving Manchester United on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving the Red Devils by mutual consent in the aftermath of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Oddschecker believe a return to Portugal with Sporting is the most likely step for Ronaldo at 3/1.

Premier League rivals Chelsea are next in the betting market at 4/1.

Blues owner Todd Boehly expressed an interest in the summer and spoke with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, but then manager Thomas Tuchel vetoed the move.

A move across the Atlantic with any MLS club including David Beckham's Inter Miami is offered at 6/1, ahead Bayern Munich (17/2).

Ronaldo’s exit has been agreed by mutual consent although it is unclear at this stage if the 37-year-old Portugal star has been sacked or received any compensation for the remaining seven months of his £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

United’s lawyers have been looking to tear it up since Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan aired in two parts last week.

A terse statement released on Tuesday evening 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.’

Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: 'Following conversations with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

'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.'

Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticised the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his team-mates in the interview.

United wanted to deal with Ronaldo as swiftly as possible and took just four days to show him the door.

However, the club were reluctant to become embroiled in an unseemly court battle with one of their greatest ever players.