Cristiano Ronaldo transfer: Date set for first Juventus game against Real Madrid

Ronaldo has left Real Madrid for Juve in an £88m move

After switching Real Madrid for Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo will face his former side much sooner than expected.

The 33-year-old and reining Ballon d’Or winner will join the Serie A champions for a fee understood to be in the region of £88million.

Ronaldo scored twice against Juventus in Turin, including a stunning bicycle kick, and converted a 97^th minute penalty at the Bernabeu to send Real through to this seasons Champions League semi-final on their way to winning their third consecutive European title.

His stunning goal in the first leg of that tie in March earned him a standing ovation from the crowd in Turin. “This was one of the nicest moments,” said Ronaldo. “To be applauded by the Juventus stadium, where so many great footballers have played, is a top moment for me. It's something that stays in your heart...I want to thank all the Italians who were here in the stadium and applauded me.”

The Portuguese forward is expected to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour where they will play Real in the International Champions Cup in Washington’s FedEx Field stadium.

Juventus will play Bayern Munich, Benfica and an MLS All-Stars side before taking on Ronaldo’s former side on Saturday 4 August.

The five times Champions League winner has a successful record when playing against his new side. He scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Juventus in the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff.

In an open letter to Real Madrid fans, Ronaldo said that his time at Real Madrid was the best years of his life, but says he is ready for a new chapter.

Juve fans are already excited (Getty ) (Getty)

“These years in Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life,” Ronaldo said.

“However, I think that the moment has arrived to start a new chapter in my life and therefore I have asked the club to accept letting me leave. I am sorry it is like this and I ask all of you, especially our followers, to please understand me.”

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United for a then world record £80m fee in 2009.