LONDON — Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record transfer to Real Madrid from Manchester United has been completed.

A fee of $131 million for the player was agreed to between the clubs last month and United reported on its Web site on Wednesday that the fee has been paid.

United manager Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the Portugal winger.

"Cristiano has been a marvelous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world," Ferguson said. "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 over."

"Everyone here wishes him well in his future career," Ferguson said.