Five-times world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo has signed for Italian champions Juventus from Real Madrid, the La Liga club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who joined Real from Manchester United in 2008 for a then world record 80 million pounds ($106.27 million), is the Spanish club’s all-time top scorer with 451 goals in all competitions and won two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with them.
“For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of its greatest symbols and a unique reference for the generations to come,” European champions Real said, adding that Ronaldo had asked to be transferred. “Real Madrid will always be his home”.
The transfer fee was not disclosed but Spanish media said Ronaldo had signed a four-year deal and had cost Juventus 105 million euros ($123.24 million).
The Portugal international scored two goals against Juventus in Real’s 4-1 win in the 2017 Champions League final and earlier this season struck a jaw-dropping bicycle kick against the Italians in a 3-0 win in a quarter-final first-leg game in Turin which prompted Juve supporters to give him a standing ovation.
Real Madrid paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo in a statement on their website after the Portuguese forward joined Juventus to end his nine-year stay with the Spanish giants.
“Real Madrid announces that it has agreed to transfer Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus FC due to the will and desire expressed by the player,” Real said.
“Today Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude to a player that has proved to be the best in the world and has carved out one of the most brilliant eras in the history of our club and world football.
“Beyond all the trophies and matches he won on the pitch during these nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been a role model in commitment, hard work, responsibility, talent and a desire to always exceed himself.
“He also became the top scorer in Real Madrid’s history with 451 goals in 438 games. In total he won 16 trophies, among them four Champions League titles, three of them won consecutively and four over the last five seasons.
“On an individual level, with the Real Madrid shirt he won the Ballon d’Or four times, FIFA’s The Best award twice and three European Golden Shoes among many other awards.
“For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of its great symbols and a unique reference point for future generations. Real Madrid will always be his home.”