BREAKING ! Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid, joins Juventus

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Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid for Italy’s Juventus. The Portugal star joins the reigning Serie A champion Juventus for a reported 117 million dollars or 100 million euros transfer fee.

“Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football,” said the Spanish club in a statement.

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million ($106M). He went on to become their all-time leading goalscorer, winning four Champions League titles – including a historic three consecutive crowns – two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

Ronaldo’s statement : 

These years in 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.

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 with them also, 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.

Thank you infinitely once more to our fans and thanks also to Spanish Football. During these 9 exciting years I have had great players in front of me. My respect and my recognition for all of them.

I have reflected a lot and I know that the time has come for a new cycle. I’m leaving but this shirt, this shield and the Santiago Bernabéu will continue to always feel as my own wherever I am.

Thanks to all and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium 9 years ago: Hala Madrid!