It's official: arguably the most popular athlete in the world is leaving his team. After nine seasons with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo is transferring to Juventus. Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid. He also won four UEFA Champions League titles with the squad.
Juventus agreed to a deal with the 33-year-old worth roughly $139 million USD, according to Sky Sports.
"For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of our great symbols," Real Madrid said in a statement. "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. Real Madrid will always be your home."
Sergio Ramos responded to the news with a heartfelt Instagram post.
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Reactions to the news flooded Twitter.
OFFICIAL: "I have achieved everything in football, in multiple leagues. I have nothing to prove. Juventus are one of the greatest teams in the world, and their fans appreciate greatness. They know football. We belong with eachother." - Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus TV. #CR7 pic.twitter.com/K63LyheS3z
— beIN SOCCER (@belNSOCCER) July 10, 2018
When Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid to juve @brfootball pic.twitter.com/0DdwFNYmVY
— David Diaz (@Daviddiazz__) July 10, 2018
Comunicado Oficial: Messi is now the best player in La Liga
— IamFrench (@IamFrench_) July 10, 2018
2009: Buys 25 year old Cristiano Ronaldo for £80m.
— Team FA 🏴 (@TeamFA) July 10, 2018
2018: Sells 33 year old Cristiano Ronaldo for £105m.
Florentino Perez, take a bow. 👏 pic.twitter.com/35SbyXWEKr
So Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid for Juventus.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2018
Remember when he was asked if he's better than Leo Messi? pic.twitter.com/24mgGYQUks
The key paragraph from Cristiano Ronaldo’s goodbye message:
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) July 10, 2018
“I think the time has come to open a new chapter in my life and that’s why I’ve asked the club to allow my transfer. That’s how I feel and I ask for everyone’s understanding, especially our fans” pic.twitter.com/0VnfetR5fa
Cristiano Ronaldo: I want to retire at Real Madrid.
— 🇭🇷 (@AfricanKhaIeesi) July 10, 2018
😤 pic.twitter.com/XuD6y0dEPk
Ronaldo, who came to Real Madrid from Manchester United, is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner.