Cristiano Ronaldo: Marcus Rashford Delivers Touching Tribute to His Idol As He Exits Man United

Cristiano Ronaldo: Marcus Rashford Delivers Touching Tribute to His Idol As He Exits Man United

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
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  • Marcus Rashford has sent an excellent tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is leaving Manchester United after his contract was mutually terminated by the club
  • A few weeks ago, Ronaldo criticized the club and manager Erim ten Hag for disrespecting him, adding that he doesn't respect the Dutchman
  • Rashford has always said Ronaldo is his footballing idol, and he is grateful he got to play with him

England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has delivered a touching message to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Portuguese legend exits Manchester United.

Ronaldo was released from the club last week after he attacked manager Erik ten Hag, and the club. United decided to cut ties with him.

Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United 2022 World Cup, England, Portugal
Marcus Rashford got to play with one of his idols, Ronaldo. Photo by Naomi Baker.
Source: Getty Images

The 37-year-old burned bridges with the club after he made astonishing revelations in the infamous interview with controversial media personality Piers Morgan.

In the viral interview, Ronaldo said he doesn't respect Erik ten Hag and claimed the club betrayed and disrespected him several times.

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Ten Hag and the club will consider reinforcements in January to replace the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as they look to finish in the top four following a decent start under the Dutch tactician.

Rashford's message to Ronaldo

It is public knowledge that Ronaldo is Rashford's idol, and the 25-year-old England star has always admitted that.

As England prepares to face Wales in their last group game in the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Rashford praised the Portuguese superstar.

"It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him. He is one of my idols and someone I always looked up to. It's something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he’s done for Manchester United," according to MEN.

Rashford is Man United's top scorer this season, and he will definitely need some serious help up front in scoring goals.

In his two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances for Man United and hopes to lift the World Cup with Portugal in Qatar.

Possible Ronaldo replacements

Sports Brief earlier reported on Erik ten Hag naming two strikers he would like United to sign in January.

According to multiple reports, the United boss has shortlisted the duo of Cody Gakpo and Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao as perfect candidates to replace Ronaldo.

Gakpo's heroics at the 2022 World Cup has increased interest around Gakpo, and his Dutch connection with ten Hag may see the Red Devils sign him in January.

Meanwhile, Leao may be a tough deal to make as AC Milan may be unwilling to let their star player leave. If United seriously want him, they need to fork out a handsome amount.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.