Cristiano Ronaldo has opted to leave Spanish giants Real Madrid for Italian champions Juventus for the next – and possibly final – chapter of one of the greatest careers the game has seen.

The shock move by the 33-year-old superstar comes shortly after losing what is likely his last chance to collect the only honour missing from his glittering resume – a World Cup for Portugal.

Speculation that one of the game’s greatest players could be up for grabs began when he hinted he was considering leaving the Santiago Bernabeu following May’s Champions League final victory.

Then the transfer rumour mill went into overdrive after Italian media said Juventus had put in a bid and Spanish sports daily Marca cited reports of Ronaldo looking for a home in Turin.

And the rumours were put to rest on Tuesday evening when Real Madrid confirmed that their all-time leading goalscorer was set for a new chapter in his life.

The news sent Twitter into a frenzy (even on a World Cup semi-final night!) as tributes and farewell messages started pouring in, starting with his (former) teammate Sergio Ramos.

Real Mardid fans had nothing but nice things to say about their legendary talisman and Juventus fans were delighted as well.

Of course, there had to be some banter. Of course.

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