Cristiano Ronaldo
It has finally been confirmed that after nine years, 16 trophies and 451 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid.
The Portugal star, 33, is joining reigning Serie A champion
Juventus from the Champions League holders for a reported $117 million
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 from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world
record fee of £80 million ($106M) and was given a €1 billion buy-out
clause.
He went on to become Real's 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.
"For Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of his great symbols and a unique reference for the next generations," added the Real statement.
"Real Madrid will always be your home."
Reports of Ronaldo's unhappiness in the Spanish capital have become
an almost annual occurrence in recent years, although each episode had
always ended with a new contract.
But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner sparked more rumors when asked
about his future in the immediate aftermath of Real Madrid Champions
League win over Liverpool.
"I'll speak in the next few days," he said on May 26. "Now it's time to enjoy the moment. The future of any player isn't important."
Real have recently put out two statements denying the club's
interest in signing either Neymar of Kylian Mbappe from Paris
Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo has been the scourge of Juventus in recent years, scoring
two goals in a man-of-the-match performance in the 2017 Champions League
final and knocking the Turin club out of last year's competition.
"These years in Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life," said Ronaldo in an open letter to the club's fans.
"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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment