As superstar Cristiano Ronaldo decided to put an end to his nine-year reign at Real Madrid with a 100 million euros move to Juventus, many of his teammates at the Los Blancos expressed their gratitude, love and respect for the Portuguese legend over social media. Skim through some of the emotionally-charged write-ups by Madridistas as they bid farewell to the 33-year-old.
Sergio Ramos
“You have earned a special place in the history of Real Madrid. As Madridistas we'll remember you always. It's been a pleasure to play alongside you, bicho. Big hig [hug] and good luck!,” wrote the Madrid captain on his official facebook handle following Ronaldo's decision to leave the club.
There were reports of a rift between Ramos and Ronaldo earlier in the season when the team was struggling to keep up with arch-rivals Barcelona. Ramos, however, later described those comments as opportunistic.
"Our No. 7 is a forward like we have never seen. He is already a legend, and will be recognised as one of the best players in the history of football," the defender had told reporters.
Toni Kroos
The star German midfielder was no short of Ronaldo, describing him a legend whose contributions were crucial in Madrid's success over the years. Kroos has been sharing the dressing room with Ronaldo since 2014 when he arrived in Madrid from Bayern Munich.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh winger in a posted a photo with taken with Ronaldo in his Facebook handle calling him an "incredible player." Claiming it to be a pleasure to have played with the Portuguese for five years, Bale wished him good luck for the future with four trophy emoticons - perhaps hinting the number of UEFA Champions League titles that Ronaldo won at the Bernabeu.
Casemiro
The Brazilian defensive midfielder was humble in his note to Ronaldo. "With You I learned, took advantage and won. Thanks for everything, buddy," wrote the 26-year-old number 14.
Keylor Navas
The first-choice shot-stopper of the post-Casillas era, Navas, bid farewell to the forward by thanking for "for all the legacy you left at the club."
"It was always a pleasure to play with you, God bless you in this new stage," added the Costa Rican.
Nacho
The 28-year-old centre-back of the Spanish giants followed his captain's path in wishing "Bicho" good luck for his future endeavours. "It has been a pleasure to defend this shield with you. You are and you'll be number one," read the translation of his Spanish update.
Marcos Llorente
The gen-next midfielder hailed Cristiano as a man who made history in the white shirt of the club. "Good luck in your new stage, Cristiano Ronaldo the memory you leave here is indelible," he wrote.
Borja Mayoral
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who had 14 La Liga outings at the Spanish capital alongside Ronaldo, thanked him for "being a mirror to look at."
Marcos Asensio
Marcos Asensio's tweet was no different from his other teammates' making it evident how impactful Ronaldo has been in the Madrid dressing room.
"It has been a pleasure to play by your side, you have been an example in every way. I wish you good luck in your new stage," tweeted Asensio with a photo in which he is seen shoulder-to-shoulder with Ronaldo.
Sami Khedira
The German veteran's emotions for Cristiano is different from all others. The central midfielder had partnered Ronaldo at Madrid before he left for Juventus in 2015, and now, it seems faith have reunited the duo.
Khedira was not shy to express his excitement in public as he tweeted:"we had a great time together in Madrid, I can‘t wait to get back to work with you! Today is a special day for @juventusfc."
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