Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus from Real Madrid is no ordinary transfer.
As one of the most famous and talented footballers in the world, Juventus handed over the princely sum of €112 million (£99.2million) to bag the 33-year-old forward.
With a four-year deal signed and stamped, Juventus fans cannot wait to welcome the living legend into the fold.
Now, Ronaldo has yet to christen his new Juventus kit with a couple of his characteristically dramatic goals. But fans are already very prepared, and Juventus are beginning to feel the benefits of Ronaldo’s celebrity status…
In the space of just 24 hours, Juventus have flogged $60 million worth of Ronaldo shirts, with football fans eager to show their ever escalating admiration for the Portuguese player.
According to Business Insider, Ronaldo’s magic touch has also proved bountiful in other ways for the Italian football club.
Juventus have seen their stock prices soar by nearly 40 per cent, while their social media channels gain 1.5 million new followers in the space of a single day, reaching 6.7 million.
Find out more about the sports icon that is Cristiano Ronaldo below:
According to the BBC, Ronaldo has spoken out about the impact he wishes to have during his time at his new club, and – as usual – he is reaching for the stars:
We know competition will be harsh but we must stay concentrated. I hope I can help Juventus win it. I hope I can be the lucky star of this club but we will see what happens.
Juventus gave me a wonderful opportunity. I’m so grateful. They gave value to my football style so it’s a step forward as I see it. Juventus can have many successes. They have won domestic cups and titles and reached Champions League finals.
I am so proud they were interested in me. I hope I can take Juventus to an even higher level.
Former bearer of Juventus’ number seven shirt Juan Cuadrado has given his blessing to Ronaldo, making the following gracious comment on Instagram:
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Good luck Cristiano in this new adventure.
The number seven is of course all part of Ronaldo’s special brand, and it is unclear whether or not Cuadrado had a choice in the matter or not. Still, fair play to him for being a good sport.
This transfer has set a new club record signing for Juventus, over-shadowing their €90m acquisition of Gonzalo Higuain.
Ronaldo will earn a ‘basic’ yearly salary of €30m, which is a significant pay rise from the €23.6 million he earned while at Real Madrid.
During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo became the team’s number one goalscorer of all time with an incredible 450 goals.
Ronaldo also lifted two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey on two occasions, as well as four Champions League crowns within a five year period.
This crazed shift-buying frenzy proves once again that Ronaldo has a uniquely magnetic brand all of his own, which cannot be defined or shaped by the club he plays for.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.