Cristiano Ronaldo's goodbye letter to Real Madrid fans in full

Real Madrid confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo would sign for Juventus on Tuesday and also published an open letter from the No 7. Here it is in full, translated into English:

"These years at Real Madrid, and in the 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.

"However, I believe that the time has come to start a new era in my life and that is why I have asked the club to allow me to move. I feel that way and I ask everyone, and especially our fans, to please understand me.

"They have been absolutely wonderful for nine years. They have been nine unique years. It has been an exciting time for me, full of respect but also hard because Real Madrid has 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 pitch 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 those, on an individual level, I also have the satisfaction of having won four 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 who take care of 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. I give 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 badge and the Santiago Bernabéu will always feel my own, wherever I am.

"Thanks to all and, of course, as I said back that first time in our stadium nine years ago: Hala Madrid!"