sport news Wayne Rooney claims there was 'no other choice' than to let Cristiano Ronaldo ... trends now 'Am I surprised? No': Wayne Rooney claims there was 'no other choice' than to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United - and says he 'wishes him the best' - despite hitting out at his 'unacceptable' behaviour By Oli Gamp For Mailonline Published: 19:50 GMT, 22 November 2022 | Updated: 20:09 GMT, 22 November 2022 10 shares Viewcomments Wayne Rooney has claimed he is 'not surprised' that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United and believes the club had 'no other choice' than to let him go. Ronaldo's exit from Old Trafford was finally confirmed on Tuesday night after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, in which he slammed the club, its owners, his manager and his team-mates, sent shockwaves around the world. United released a brief 67-word statement announcing the news, with the player not expected to receive any compensation for the remainder of the seven months on his contract - which was worth £500,000-a-week. Rooney - who played in attack alongside Ronaldo for five years - was cautious when speaking about Ronaldo's exit, saying he had been a 'fantastic servant' to the club but adding that United had little choice other than to show him the door. 'Am I surprised? No,' he told Sport 18, via the Sun. 'There was no other choice but that's a shame because he's been a fantastic servant to the club. 'I wish him the best wherever he goes.' Wayne Rooney (R) has claimed Man United had 'no other choice' than to part ways with his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (L) Ronaldo and Rooney played together for five years during a successful spell at Old Trafford Rooney's words come after he was one of the big names criticising Ronaldo after he walked out of Old Trafford during United's 2-0 win over Tottenham last month, claiming his behaviour was 'unacceptable'. 'I just think the things he has done from the start of season, it is not acceptable for Manchester United,' he told talkSport. 'I've seen Roy Keane defending him. Roy wouldn't accept that. Roy wouldn't accept that at all. 'It is a distraction which Manchester United don't need at the minute, trying to rebuild. For Cristiano, just get your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you. 'If he does that, he will be an asset. If he doesn't, it will become an unwanted distraction.' Rooney was not the only former Manchester United figure to react to the news - as another of his former team-mates in Rio Ferdinand also chipped in. Rio Ferdinand also reacted to the news, calling Ronaldo's departure 'best for both parties' He said both parties would be 'delighted' as he claimed Ronaldo's interview was a ploy to secure himself an exit. 'I think both parties will be delighted,' he told the BBC while acting as a pundit during the World Cup. 'He did interview with mindset he wanted to get out the club. He wasn't happy and he made it very clear. Also happy for Erik ten Hag, he has got what he wanted in this situation. Both are happy.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility