After nine years, Real Madrid's all-time top scorer leaves Santiago Bernabeu for a new challenge in his career towards Italy. Juventus have agreed to pay a fee around £105m to get his services on a four-year contract.
The Portuguese international arrived at the Spanish capital in 2009 from Manchester United. He has scored 450 goals and grabbed 131 assists averaging a goal contribution every 65 minutes he plays. He helped the Whites of Madrid win the Champions League four times in the past five seasons and the league title twice. Cristiano won the Balon d'Or four times during his spell in Spain.
But, it is time to get over Ronaldo. The 33-year-old is the best fox in the box. He has an immense will to score a goal even from the difficult angles and impossible situations. But he is not the old Ronaldo who used to dribble past defenders, score stunners from long range and convert enchanting free-kicks. He has just become a bit inconsistent. But, now IT IS OVER!
He will now wear the famous black and white of Bianconeri. He is a Juventus player now. It is the biggest transfer of this summer window or possibly any window in the past decade.
This might shock you but this transfer has actually positives for Real Madrid. Here are three reasons to prove the same.
#3 It is the right time
This deal makes sense for both the parties.
Ronaldo has been an incredible player for Real Madrid but it is time to make a fresh start for both Cristiano and RM. Los Blancos get around £25m profit for a 33-year-old and now they can build a team around a new galactico. Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Eden Hazard are speculated ones.
"The time has come to begin a new stage in my life" Ronaldo said after the transfer being announced.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo gets to live another dream in his journey towards greatness in a great footballing country. Known as 'Mr. Champions League', he can help the Old Lady finally break the jinx of Champions League.
Last season, Ronaldo was rested in 11 matches in La Liga. Next season, that figure would have raised. In a season or two, he'd have become a part-time player. Neither the club wants its highest paid player to sit on the bench nor the player. All good things are meant to end, just like this one.
#2 New opportunities for existing players
Cristiano has been the best player for Real Madrid for the past nine years but his greatness has hindered growth for a lot of players; Karim Benzema and Isco being the primary names. At times, he was selfish too.
In the past couple of seasons, due to Ronaldo, manager Zinedine Zidane had to make a lot of sacrifices to make the game suitable for the former Manchester United starlet. Benzema was often shifted to the left flank covering for Ronaldo's defensive duties. Isco was restricted to play his game of fluid passing and taking on defenders. With him transferred to Italy, Real can build a team around Isco. The Spaniard can be the focal point in the new manager Julen Lopetegui’s setup.
Real Madrid are in a lack of talismanic figure in the attack. Either they can sign someone or give young Marco Asensio the role he's waiting for quite some time. Youngsters Rodrygo Goes and Vincius Jr. are expected to arrive at Bernabeu by next season. Players like Marcos Llorente, Borja Mayoral, and Dani Ceballos will get more game time than last season.
Veterans Gareth Bale and Benzema will be given prominent roles too. The Welshman has shown evidence last season that he still has it, scoring 19 goals last season. James Rodriguez might arrive next season completing his loan spell with Bayern Munich. It'd be a new start for the record 13-times Champions League winners.
#1 No more drama
Big players come with bigger egos. Owners prefer a much pragmatic option though.
Every summer since 2009, Cristiano is constantly linked to Manchester United. This transfer doesn't guarantee those rumours to stop but it will be lessened. Ronaldo also used these speculations to get a pay-rise having extended contract thrice during his spell at Real.
As mentioned earlier, no big player wants to become a part-time player. If he would have stayed, it would have created a massive imbalance among the team leading the dressing room in dismay.
Long story short, Ronaldo's move to Juventus will more likely be an advantage for Los Blancos. Real Madrid is no longer in a shortage of funds and with the amount received by Juventus, they can splash the money in exchange for any world-class player.
Oh wait, wasn't Ronaldo on a loan to Real Madrid? When will he return to Old Trafford?