MADRID, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Cristiano Ronaldo said he wanted to "open a new stage" in his life as Real Madrid confirmed his transfer to Italy's Juventus on Tuesday.
After nine years playing with Real Madrid, the 33-year-old Ronaldo has decided to leave the Spanish club to play at Juventus F.C. for a 105 million-euro transfer fee, it was reported.
"These years at Real Madrid, and in this city, have possibly been the happiest of my life," Ronaldo said.
"I only have feelings of huge thanks for this club, for the fans and for this city," he 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."
The Club expressed their gratitude and said he had showed to be the world's best player and "marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football".
The club also emphasized that the player became Real Madrid's leading all-time goalscorer, with 451 goals in 438 appearances.
Ronaldo joined Real Madrid after playing six years at Manchester United. He won two league championships, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League and three Fifa Club World Cups when playing in Spain. Enditem
