After nine years of formidable, almost unparalleled success, Cristiano Ronaldo’s tenure at Real Madrid has come to an end today after confirmation of his €100million transfer to Juventus came through from Los Blancos themselves.
As is the done thing these days, Ronaldo has signed off with an open letter to his Real comrades; his teammates, his managers, the staff and the fans.
The emotional message was posted on the official Real website, with the 33-year-old gushing thus:
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 time and for this city. I can only thank everybody 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 my transfer. I feel that way and I ask everyone, and especially our followers, to please understand me.
The club have been absolutely wonderful for nine years. They have been nine unique years. It has been an exciting time for me, full of success but also hard because Real Madrid have very high demands. 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 on the field and in the dressing room, I have felt the warmth of an incredible crowd and together we have won three Champions Leagues in a row and four Champions Leagues in five years.
And with the club also, on an individual level, I have the satisfaction of having won four Ballon d’Ors and three Golden 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 nine 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 crest and the Santiago Bernabeu will continue to always feel as my own, wherever I am.
Thanks to all and, of course, as I said the very first time I visited the stadium nine years ago: Hala Madrid!
Lovely stuff. Good on him.