Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Serie A giants, Juventus

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo signed a four-year deal with Serie A giants, Juventus on Tuesday. He will leave Bernabeu after a long span of nine years. The Italian club agreed a €100m (£88.3m) fee for the Portuguese forward from La Liga club Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to start a new chapter in his mesmerising football career. The player and his agent, Jorge Mendes met the Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli in Greece on Tuesday, to discuss the final details of the deal.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo agrees to join Juventus, Real Madrid stunned

Ronaldo is signing a four-year contract with an annual salary of around €30m. In Italy, clubs have to pay the same amount in tax, which takes the total cost of the transfer to €340m that comprises €100m transfer fee plus €240m in salary and taxes.

“I only have feelings of enormous gratitude for this club and for this city. I have had nine absolutely wonderful years at the 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: thank you to the club, the president, the directors, my colleagues, all the staff, doctors, physios and incredible people that make everything work.”, Cristiano Ronaldo wrote in an open letter to Real Madrid fans.

He finished his letter by saying: “Thanks to everyone and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium nine years ago: Hala Madrid!”

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 after spending six magical years at Manchester United. He became Madrid’s record scorer with 451 goals in 438 games. On an individual front, he clinched four Ballon d’Ors and three Golden Boots. In his long stay at Real Madrid, he won four Champions League titles at Madrid and two league championships as well as two Spanish Cups and three Fifa Club World Cups.

“Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has made this one of the most brilliant times in the history of our club. Beyond the titles he won during these nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been an example of dedication, work, responsibility, talent and constant improvement. For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of our greatest symbols and a unique reference for our next generations. Real Madrid will always be your home.”, read a statement released by Real Madrid on Tuesday.

There is no doubt that Real Madrid fans will take time to overcome the loss of the living legend. Whereas, the Serie A club’s fans will be thrilled to see him on board.