Soccer news,Ronaldo agrees six-year Real deal

Ronaldo agrees six-year Real deal

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United
Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid last summer

Cristiano Ronaldo will complete his world record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid on 1 July after agreeing a six-year deal.

United, who accepted Real's offer for the 24-year-old winger on 11 June, confirmed on their website that the transfer had been finalised.

A statement on Real's website read: "The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons.

"He will be presented on 6 July at the Santiago Bernabeu."

Ronaldo was on holiday in the United States at the time the offer was made by Real, on 10 June.

During that time, United stated that the decision came at the Portugal international's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".

606: DEBATE

The Old Trafford club said the offer was unconditional and wanted the matter to be concluded by 30 June.

The addition of Ronaldo to the Real ranks is part of a remarkable spending spree by the Spanish giants since Florentino Perez returned as club president on 1 June.

He brought in Brazil playmaker Kaka for a then-world record £56m, then Ronaldo for £80m before signing centre-back Raul Albiol from Valencia for £12m, to bring Real's total summer spend, so far, to £148m.

Perez appointed Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini as Real's new coach, and had previously made it clear he would do "everything possible" to sign Ronaldo.

Reports have suggested that the midfielder will earn about £11m per year, which will make him the highest paid footballer in the world. He was on about £6.38m at Old Trafford.

The current top earner is understood to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is on about £10m per year.

Despite the vast outgoings, Madrid have also been linked with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, Valencia's David Villa and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford

Ronaldo joined United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2m, but was strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2008.

United lodged a complaint with world governing body Fifa last June over what they believed was a deliberate attempt by Real to unsettle the winger.

After a long, drawn-out saga that ran through the summer months, the Portugal international insisted he was happy at Old Trafford and remained at United for the 2008-2009 season.

And despite Ronaldo's claim that he wanted to remain at Old Trafford, he was the subject of constant speculation during the 2008-2009 season and often issued mixed messages about his future.

It took time for Ronaldo to find his best form after arriving in England but he became a pivotal player for United, who have won the last three Premier League titles.

In 2007-08, he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the score sheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

His form through 2008 saw him named Fifa World Player of the Year in January, just a month after he won the Ballon d'Or as the European Player of the Year.

Ronaldo was the top scorer for his club last season, with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances.



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