Cristiano Ronaldo displays his new watch. Courtsey: Instagram

Gulf Today Report

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his association with the watch brand Jacob & Co., a few hours before ending his contract with Manchester United by mutual consent, on his Instagram account.

It is the dial of the watch that drew the attention of his half billion followers. The dial depicted a picture of Ronaldo in Real Madrid jersey, hitting a header against Manchester United in a Champions League match in 2013.

Speculations are rife in the football fraternity and in the media whether Ronaldo is hinting at his return to Real or his destination will be Chelsea, if rumours are to be believed.

Ronaldo wrote under the post: “I am happy to announce my partnership with Jacob & Co., today I reveal the first watch from the collection that I designed with my friend Jacob & Co.”

For his part, British presenter Piers Morgan, whose fiery interview with the Portuguese star ended the star's career at United, published a picture of Ronaldo from a previous interview, carrying the Arsenal number 7 shirt, which is the team that Morgan encourages.

Morgan wrote under the picture: “It is time for the second stage,” before mocking United for neglecting “the greatest player of all time.”

He said: “You are in fifth place in the league, 11 points behind Arsenal, and you are facing exit from the Europa League at the hands of Barcelona.”

“And you just lost the greatest player of all time, a player who scored 24 goals for you last season because your coach doesn't respect him. Congratulations and good luck to Ronaldo.”

For his part, former United defender Rio Ferdinand said that Ronaldo will remain a legend in the club despite the bad way the relationship ended between them, while Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's former colleague, said that the termination of the contract "was not a surprise because Ronaldo breached the terms of the contract," but he wished him success.

The cost of each Ronaldo goal at United has reached £1.2m in the last 18 months, and the star has earned £32m in all but will not get the remaining £16m of his contract.