Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally ended his nine-year stint with Real Madrid to join Italian giants Juventus in Serie A.
A transfer fee of £88.3million ($176 million) has been agreed, making Ronaldo's one of the four most expensive transfers in history. The 33-year-old will sign a four-year contract with the Turin club.
Ronaldo leaves a legacy that will be unmatched at Madrid, scoring an incredible 451 goals in 438 games to go along with 44 hat-tricks, 131 assists, four Ballon d’Or trophies and 16 major trophies (Two La Ligas, four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and three European Super Cups).
Ronaldo, in his letter to the Madrid fans, had this to say:
“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 its fans 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 fans, to please understand me.
"I have reflected a lot and I know that the time has come for a new cycle. I'm leaving but this shirt, this badge and the Santiago Bernabeu but they will continue to always feel part of me wherever I am."