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It would not happen, it is impossible - now it has finally happened. Real Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially departed the Santiago Bernabeu, completing a famous £88 million deal to join Italian champions, Juventus, this summer.
It was the end of an era in the Spanish capital. After spending 9 successful years with the Los Blancos, leading them to claim a lot of honors including 4 UEFA Champions League trophies in the last 5 years, the Portuguese felt it was the right time to end his relationship with the European champions and open a new chapter in his illustrious career.
His decision to swap Real Madrid for Juventus sent shockwaves across the globe, with many expressing diverse views and opinions on the topic. As a matter of fact, some people still find it difficult to understand why he took such a step after a successful European campaign with the Spanish giants.
Yet, the Portuguese has taken a great step by moving to the Italian League. Below are 4 reasons that justify his decision:
#4. A new challenge
As the most successful club in football history with 13 UEFA Champions League trophies, 33 La Liga titles, 19 Copa Del Rey trophies as well as other prestigious accolades, no one expected Cristiano Ronaldo to quit his Real Madrid career this summer.
It is understandable to suggest that the Santiago Bernabeu is the best place for the Portuguese to be, considering the level of success he has achieved in the Spanish capital during his 9-year stay.
However, his decision to switch from Real Madrid to Juventus is a brilliant one as it represents an opportunity for him to take on a new challenge in his glorious career. He proved himself in both the English Premier League and the La Liga, isn't it a great idea to conquer the Italian league as well?
#3. Tax issues
While Cristiano Ronaldo had a great time at Real Madrid claiming a lot of trophies and winning countless individual honors, the attacker also had a lot of troublesome moments, part of which were as a result of tax issues.
The Spanish tax authorities troubled the Portuguese superstar on multiple occasions during his time at Santiago Bernabeu, evidently forwarding accusations that he defrauded them of €14.7 million in 2017. This reportedly outraged the attacker and prompted him to threaten that he would depart the Spanish League.
Now that he has finally taken that bold step, he has earned his freedom from his prosecutors (at least). With the Italian League understood to have more flexible tax policies than the La Liga, it also comes as a fine decision from Ronaldo to swap these sides for each other.
#2. The hostility of the Real Madrid fans
Real Madrid fans are well-known across the globe for two things - their love for the game and their hostility towards the Los Blancos' players. The Madridistas have developed a negative habit of booing their own superstars even during important games.
Several players found themselves at the end of harsh treatments from the Real Madrid supporters, and obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo is also one of them. Despite all he helped the club to achieve, it is quite disappointing that he received his own share of this negative treatment exhibited by the Los Blancos fans. Evidently, the attacker was booed and jeered by the Madrid faithful even though he scored a fantastic hat-trick against Atletico Madrid during a Champions League encounter in 2017.
Therefore, it was a decent decision from Ronaldo to quit the Santiago Bernabeu and join a club where he would be more loved and appreciated.
#1. He followed his heart
Everyone knows that Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't hide his feelings. Though his move to Juventus could have come as a big shock to many, the Portuguese has been a long-time admirer of the Old Ladies.
After he was applauded by the Juventus fans recently for scoring a brilliant overhead kick at the Allianz Stadium, the Portuguese expressed his gratitude and respect for the supporters. He said after the match:
“This was one of the nicest moments,”
“To be applauded by the Juventus stadium, where so many great footballers have played, is a top moment for me.''
“It’s something that stays in your heart...I want to thank all the Italians who were here in the stadium and applauded me.”
The love he has for the club from his childhood and his respect for the supporters played a huge role in luring him to the Seria A. In a world where his agemates would have secured a lucrative deal to China or Japan, the attacker overlooked monetary gains and completed a dream move. It is never a wrong decision to follow one's heart, or is it?
