Marcus Rashford: Playing with idol Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘unbelievable experience’

Ronaldo left Manchester United after his contract was terminated

Mark Mann-Bryans
Sunday 27 November 2022 12:03 EST
Comments
Marcus Rashford has wished Cristiano Ronaldo well (Martin Rickett/PA)
Marcus Rashford has wished Cristiano Ronaldo well (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Marcus Rashford hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his “idols” after the experience of playing alongside him at Manchester United.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford last Tuesday after United issued a statement announcing they had reached a mutual agreement with the player to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

The development came a week after Ronaldo unsettled the club in an outspoken TV interview and means the Portugal captain is now free to negotiate with other clubs.

The PA news agency understands there are no restrictions on who he can play for under the terms of his departure agreement with United, nor are there any ongoing obligations for the Old Trafford outfit.

Ronaldo’s relationship with the club had appeared to become strained during the early part of the season and problems were brought to a head during an interview with TV presenter and journalist Piers Morgan.

Rashford played alongside Ronaldo during the 37 year-old’s second stint at United, having signed for the club’s academy during the Portuguese’s first spell.

“Listen, it’s been an unbelievable experience to play with him,” England forward Rashford said when asked about Ronaldo’s departure.

“He’s obviously one of my idols and someone I’ve always looked up to. So to have the opportunity to play with him is unbelievable and I’ll take that with me and it’s something that I can keep with me forever.

“So I wish him all the best. We obviously want to thank him for the things that he’s done for Manchester United and wish him all the best in the rest of his career.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in