(CNN) — After nine years, 16 trophies and 451 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid.
The Portugal star, 33, is to join reigning Serie A champion Juventus from the Champions League holders for a reported $117 million transfer fee.
“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,” said the Spanish club in a statement.
Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million ($106M) and was given a €1 billion buy-out clause.
He went on to become Real’s all-time leading goalscorer, winning four Champions League titles — including a historic three consecutive crowns — two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.
“For Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of his great symbols and a unique reference for the next generations,” added the Real statement.
“Real Madrid will always be your home.”
Reports of Ronaldo’s unhappiness in the Spanish capital have become an almost annual occurrence in recent years, although each episode had always ended with a new contract.
But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked more rumors when asked about his future in the immediate aftermath of Real Madrid Champions League win over Liverpool.
“I’ll speak in the next few days,” he said on May 26. “Now it’s time to enjoy the moment. The future of any player isn’t important.”
Real have recently put out two statements denying the club’s interest in signing either Neymar of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldo has been the scourge of Juventus in recent years, scoring two goals in a man-of-the-match performance in the 2017 Champions League final and knocking the Turin club out of last year’s competition.
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