Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record transfer to Real Madrid from Manchester United has been completed, the Barclays Premier League champions have confirmed.

An "unconditional £80million" fee was agreed between the clubs last month and then came an announcement last Friday that the deal had been finalised and the world player of the year would become a Real Madrid player on Wednesday.

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A statement on www.manutd.com stated the transfer fee has been paid, prompting manager Sir Alex Ferguson to pay tribute to the Portugal winger. He said: "Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world."

He added: "His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world.

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