Cristiano Ronaldo joins Juventus from Real Madrid

After nine years, 16 trophies and 451 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid.

The Portugal star, 33, is to join reigning Serie A champion Juventus from the Champions League holder for a reported $117 million transfer fee.

"Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football," said the Spanish club in a statement.

In an open letter to Real's fans, Ronaldo said that he had "reflected a lot and I know that the time has come for a new cycle."

Last season, the Portuguese star scored a stunning bicycle kick against Juventus as Real knocked the Serie team out of the Champions League.

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world record fee of 80 million ($106M) and was given a 1 billion buy-out clause.

He went on to become Real's all-time leading goalscorer, winning four Champions League titles -- including a historic three consecutive crowns -- two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

"For Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of his great symbols and a unique reference for the next generations," added the Real statement.

"Real Madrid will always be your home."

Reports of Ronaldo's unhappiness in the Spanish capital have become an almost annual occurrence in recent years, although each episode had always ended with a new contract.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner sparked more rumors when asked about his future in the immediate aftermath of Real Madrid Champions League win over Liverpool.

"I'll speak in the next few days," he said on May 26. "Now it's time to enjoy the moment. The future of any player isn't important."

Real have recently put out two statements denying the club's interest in signing either Neymar of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ronaldo has been the scourge of Juventus in recent years, scoring two goals in a man-of-the-match performance in the 2017 Champions League final and knocking the Turin club out of last year's competition.

"These years in Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life," said Ronaldo in an open letter to the club's fans.

"I only have feelings of enormous gratitude for this club, for this fanbase 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 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."