Cristiano Ronaldo could join a team in the Champions League, according to former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, after the club terminated his contract on Tuesday.

Ronaldo claimed in his personal statement that it was time to look for "a new challenge" and expressed his best wishes to the Red Devils for the remainder of the season.

Ferdinand said Ronaldo might still choose to play where he can earn more money while speaking to the BBC.

I'm not sure, he replied. We were discussing it here, and my opinion is that it depends on the motivation. Is it Champions League, money? Is it just to continue playing somewhere with a nice climate?

“This will be going on behind the scenes but we’ll find out I’m sure in due course.”

Ronaldo has been released early from his United contract which had six months left, following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

The 37-year-old is now a free agent and could sign for a new club before the January window opens.

Ronaldo is currently in Qatar where he will captain Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.