Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has branded Cristiano Ronaldo 'a great player' and said that he is 'appreciative of everything' that he has done for the club.
Ronaldo has been released by the Red Devils following the controversial interview that he gave to Piers Morgan on TalkTV, which saw the Portuguese claim that the owners 'do not care about the club'.
"The owners of the club, they don't care about the club," Ronaldo told Morgan. "As you know Manchester United is a marketing club, they will get their money from the marketing, but with the sports they don't really care in my opinion."
Glazer 'wished Ronaldo luck for the future' when asked about the 37-year-old's exit from the club.
"Well, I'll tell you about Cristiano Ronaldo - he's a great Manchester United player, I appreciate everything he's done for the club and I wish him the best luck in the future," he told Sky News.
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Glazer was also questioned on the recent announcement that Man United could be up for sale.
"As we announced yesterday, the board went through a process and decided it's going to look at different strategic alternatives - and that's what we're doing... we'll see where that leads us."
Earlier this week, the Glazer family released a statement confirming that they were planning to explore "strategic alternatives" which could lead to the club being sold.
"Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU), one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club," read a statement on Man United's official website.
"The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
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"As part of this process, the board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company.
"This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club's commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club's men's, women's and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders."
Supporters have been vocal in their protests against the Glazers throughout the last few years, with the club struggling to compete for major trophies since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.
Matt Law
