Cristiano Ronaldo has left Real Madrid to join Juventus.
Ronaldo has long been speculated with a move away from Real Madrid, and today the deal has finally been finalised. After months of speculation ever since his interview after the Champions League final, Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed a deal to join Juventus.
The Portuguese winger joined Real Madrid in 2009 on the-then world record transfer worth ₤80m from Manchester United. After his interview in the Champions League final where he seemingly announced his departure from Real Madrid, many international media outlets linked him with a move back to Old Trafford.
However, the speculations regarding his move increased considerably last week, after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup. MARCA first linked him with a move to Juventus, and many outlets gradually confirmed the rumour.
On his departure, Cristiano Ronaldo has published a statement.
“These years at Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life.
I only have feelings of enormous gratitude for this club, for this hobby and for this city. I can only thank all of them for the love and affection I have received.
However, I believe that the time has come to open a new stage in my life and that is why I have asked the club to accept transferring me. I feel that way and I ask everyone, and especially our followers, to please understand me.
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They have been absolutely wonderful for 9 years. They have been 9 unique years. It has been an exciting time for me, full of consideration but also hard because Real Madrid is of a very high demand, but I know very well that I will never forget that I have enjoyed football here in a unique way.
I have had fabulous teammates in the field and in the dressing room, I have felt the warmth of an incredible crowd and together we have won 3 Champions in a row and 4 Champions in 5 years. And together with them, on an individual level, I have the satisfaction of having won 4 Gold Balls and 3 Gold Boots. All during my time in this immense and extraordinary club.
Real Madrid has conquered my heart, and that of my family, and that is why more than ever I want to say thank you: thanks to the club, the President, the directors, my colleagues, all the technicians, doctors, physios and incredible workers that make everything work and that are pending every detail tirelessly.”
