IN ONE of the most sensational transfer moves in recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo has inked a massive money deal with Italian giants Juventus.
After weeks of speculation, the Portuguese superstar has put pen to paper on a four year deal in Turin, and will play in the Serie A for the first time in in his career.
It’s a massive coup for the Italian league, and looks set to boost the stars of Gareth Bale as well as that of whoever replaces him at Real Madrid.
We look at the full ramifications of the stunning move.
It seems apt to start with the man himself.
This move is a clear win for Ronaldo considering his age, wage increase and the legacy he leaves in Madrid.
At 33 years of age, the Portuguese star leaves the Bernabeu after nine years at the absolute peak of his powers – coming off another record breaking campaign that yielded a Champions League triumph and yet another mammoth goal tally.
As the deal was announced he released a statement including the following: “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 followers, to please understand me.”
Ronaldo now gets a chance for a fresh start, taking his star power to Italy and nabbing one final pay day.
Serie A and Juventus
Probably the biggest winners in this deal.
After years of wallowing in the shadows, deemed substandard in comparison to mega-leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, the Serie A now boasts a bonafide star.
Ronaldo is still arguably the biggest name in world football and despite his age is still at the top of his game. He looks ready to raise the standard and exposure of a league that desperately needs a boost.
His arrival sets the stage for more big names to sign, creating what could become a true renaissance for the competition.
The deal has clear benefits for Juve — who now get the Champions League’s most decorated player of all time and a headline act to spearhead their quest to get to the pinnacle of club football. It cames at a hefty price, but all things considered they should make a profit on this deal.
