This is how it ends.

Not with adulation and celebrations. But with recrimations and banishment. 

The most famous footballer in the world is headed towards obscurity. No one in Europe wants him. Even in the US, the traditional sinecure for top players with fat paychecks, there are no takers.

So it's bye, bye Manchester United and hello ... Al Nassr. From being the face of football to behind the veil of a local Saudi club. This must be the most poorly planned exit by a sporting icon in recent years.

Unfortunately, the 37 year old football great is a victim of his own success. No one can afford him anymore. But can the most famous person on social media (500 mn Insta followers) afford this slide into irrelevance?