Ronaldo asks for 'understanding' after joining Juventus

MADRID - Modern great Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join Italian champion Juventus for 100 million euros ($117 million) on Tuesday, with the Portuguese superstar saying the time had come "for a new stage" in his life.

Juventus confirmed that Ronaldo signed a four-year contract and that the transfer fee, including 12 million euros in add-ons, would be paid over two years, with Spanish media reporting he would receive a salary of 30 million euros a season.

The 33-year-old striker is expected to have a medical in Turin next week before being unveiled by his new side.