Departing star Cristiano Ronaldo issues emotional message to fans

The Portuguese thanked Los Blancos fans for their incredible support over the years.

After nine long years, news of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finally drawing a line under his Real Madrid career came earlier on Tuesday evening. Speculation about Ronaldo leaving Real has been pretty intense for the last few days and now the deal has finally gone through. Following the news, the superstar striker released an open letter bidding the club and it's fans his final adieu.

The Portuguese talisman wrote about the club and the best years of his career that he spent in Spain, "These years at 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 these fans and for this city. I can only thank all of them for the love and affection I have received," he said.

"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 supporters, to please understand me," Ronaldo added.

The Portuguese superstar also applauded the fans for the lovely time he spent in Spain in the statement released on the Real Madrid website. "They have been absolutely wonderful for nine years. They have been nine 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." 

The tributary video from Real Madrid

He also asserted, “I have had fabulous team-mates in 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 them also, on an individual level, I have the satisfaction of having won five Ballon d’Ors and three Golden Boots. All during my time at 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."

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

“Thanks to all and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium nine years ago: Hala Madrid," he concluded.

The club, on this occasion, also posted a heartfelt message to one of its brightest gems. "Real Madrid CF communicates that, in response to the will and request expressed by the player Cristiano Ronaldo, he has agreed to transfer to Juventus FC. Today, 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."

“Beyond the conquered titles, the trophies achieved and the triumphs achieved in the playing fields during these 9 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been an example of dedication, work, responsibility, talent and improvement."

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“He has also become the top scorer in the history of Real Madrid with 451 goals in 438 games. In total 16 titles, including 4 European Cups, 3 of them consecutive and 4 in the last 5 seasons. On an individual basis, with the Real Madrid jersey he has won 4 Gold Balls, 2 The Best, and 3 Gold Boots, among many other awards."

“For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of his great symbols and a unique reference for the next generations.”