Cristiano Ronaldo has been pictured for the first time since his Manchester United exit was confirmed, with the Portuguese star leaving the club by mutual consent after his bombshell interview.

Ronaldo's exit was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon by mutual consent, with the club acting just four days after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which aired in two parts last week.

Sportsmail revealed that United have not paid any compensation for the remaining seven months of his £500,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been pictured sporting a big smile in his first appearance since having his Man United contract terminated

Ronaldo's exit occurred on a dramatic day at Old Trafford, coming hours before United confirmed that the Glazer family will listen to offers in excess of £5billion for the Premier League giants.

The Red Devils confirmed Ronaldo's exit in a terse 67-word statement. 

'Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," the statement read.

'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, with the veteran forward declaring his love for United and the fans will 'never ever change', despite his controversial interview.

'Following conversations with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to end our contract early,' Ronaldo's statement read.

'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 37-year-old will now be free to enter talks with a new club, while United prepare to line up a replacement striker in the January transfer window. 

Ronaldo's exit had appeared inevitable after his criticised the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his team-mates during the explosive interview.

United officials had determined there was no way back for him at the club, rejecting the idea of further disciplinary action. 

Ronaldo had been made to train on his own last month for walking out during the win over Tottenham, having refusing to come on as a substitute.

The interview has dominated Ronaldo's preparations for the World Cup, as the Portuguese superstar bids to win the tournament for the first time.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced to speak out over his treatment at Old Trafford on Monday.

Portugal's World Cup campaign will begin on Thursday against Ghana, with Ronaldo expected to be the centre of attention.