It has now been made official. Cristiano Ronaldo has joins Juventus in a stunning £99.2 million transfer from Real Madrid, worth a reported £26.5 million a season.
According to the Real legend, he calls time on his historic nine years professional career at the Santiago Bernabeu by venturing to Italy with Juventus.
BREAKING: @realmadrid have confirmed that @Cristiano Ronaldo has signed for @juventusfc. pic.twitter.com/Bfz9lopVbF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 10, 2018
The La Liga club released a statement regarding the 33-year-old’s switch to Juve, which also contained a classy goodbye message from Ronaldo.
Ronaldo said:
“These years at Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, were possibly the happiest of my life.
“I have feelings of great appreciation for this club, for the fans and for his city alone. I can only thank them all for the love and affection that I have received.
“However, I think it is time to open a new stage in my life and why I have asked the club to accept transfer. I’m so sorry and ask you all, and especially our fans, please understand me.
“They have been absolutely wonderful nine years. They have been 9 unique years. It has been for me an exiting, full of consideration although hard time because Real Madrid is a very high demand, but I know that I can not ever forget that behold Football enjoyed in a unique way.
“I’ve had on the field and in the locker room a fabulous companions, I felt warmth of an incredible crowed and together we have won 3 consecutive Champions League and 4 Champions League in 5 years. And with them also individually, I have the satisfaction of having won 4 and 3 Golden Balls Boots. All during my time in this immense and extraordinary club.”
He added:
“Real Madrid has won my heart, and my family, so more than ever I want to say thank you; thank the club, the president, the directors, my colleagues, all technicians, doctors, physios and workers incredible that make it all work and are pending tirelessly every detail.
“Infinite thanks again to our fans and thanks also to the Spanish football. During these nine years I have had exciting faces, great players. My respect and appreciation for all of them.
“I have reflected a lot and I know it is time for a new cycle. I go but this shirt, this shield and Santiago Bernabeu will follow them always feeling like something of mine wherever you are.
“Thank you all, and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium 9 years; Hala Madrid!”
End of an era. Stay tuned for more.