Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Italian champion Juventus for 100 million euros ($117 million) on Tuesday, with the Portuguese superstar saying the time had come “for a new stage” in his life.
Juventus confirmed that Ronaldo had signed a four-year contract and that the transfer fee, including 12 million euros in add-ons, would be paid over two years, with Spanish media reporting he would receive a salary of $35 million a season.
The 33-year-old striker is expected to have a medical in Turin next week before being unveiled by his new side, AFP reported.
“Today Real Madrid wants to give thanks to a player who has demonstrated he is the best in the world and who marked one of the most brilliant periods in the history of our club and world football,” European champion Real Madrid said in a statement.
In a letter posted on the Real Madrid website, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said his time in the Spanish capital had been one of the happiest in his life. “I only have feelings of huge thanks for this club, for the fans and for this city,” Ronaldo said. “But I think the time has come to open a new stage in my life and that’s why I asked the club to accept to transfer me. I ask everyone, and especially our supporters, to please understand me.”
Ronaldo, whose World Cup campaign with Portugal ended in the last 16 by Uruguay just under two weeks ago, hinted after May’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool that he was considering leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
