‘Real conquered my heart’: Read Ronaldo’s emotional open letter to Real Madrid fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid for a new challenge at Juventus.

The two clubs have agreed a deal, believed to be worth a staggering £105m, for the Portuguese superstar.

Real issued a statement confirming they had agreed to let Ronaldo go with the player hinting he would leave after the Champions League final.

It brings an end to his nine-year stint at the Bernabeu, in which he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo admitted the time had come to start a “new stage in his life” and had asked Real to agree to his move to the Italian champions.

Ronaldo is set to pocket a staggering €30m-a-year with the Italian champions after agreeing terms.

He could make his debut later this month when Juve begin their tour of the United States.

It remains to be seen who replaces him at the Bernabeu with the likes of Eden Hazard linked.

Ronaldo statement in full

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 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.

They have been absolutely wonderful for 9 years. They have been 9 unique years. It has been an exciting time for me, full of consideration but also hard because Real Madrid is of a very high demand, but I know very well that I will never forget that I have enjoyed football here in a unique way.

I have had fabulous teammates in the field and in the dressing room, I have felt the warmth of an incredible crowd and together we have won 3 Champions in a row and 4 Champions in 5 years. And with them also, on an individual level, I have the satisfaction of having won 4 Gold Balls and 3 Gold Boots. All during my time in this immense and extraordinary 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: thanks to the club, the President, the directors, my colleagues, all the technicians, doctors, physios and incredible workers that make everything work and that are pending every detail tirelessly.

 

Thank you infinitely once more to our fans and thanks also to Spanish Football. During these 9 exciting years I have had great players in front of me. My respect and my recognition for all of them.

I have reflected a lot and I know that the time has come for a new cycle. I’m leaving but this shirt, this shield and the Santiago Bernabéu will continue to always feel as my own wherever I am.

Thanks to all and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium 9 years ago: Hala Madrid!