Ronaldo completes switch to Real Madrid

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 12:33

Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record transfer to Real Madrid from Manchester United has been completed, the Barclays Premier League champions have confirmed.

An "unconditional 80million" fee was agreed between the clubs last month and then came an announcement last Friday that the deal had been finalised and the world player of the year would become a Real Madrid player today.

A statement on www.manutd.com this morning stated the transfer fee has been paid, prompting manager Sir Alex Ferguson to pay tribute to the Portugal winger.

He said: "Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world.

"His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over.

"Everyone here wishes him well in his future career."