The shocking move of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid to Juventus for around 100 Million Euros is now complete, but how did it happen?
According to Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Juventus in the Champions League knockout stages was more or less what caused the transfer.
Ronaldo scored a stunning bicycle kick against the Italian champions last season in the Champions League and such was the majesty of the goal that Juventus fans stood to applaud him for it.
From that moment, Juventus knew they wanted Ronaldo.
“The crazy idea started after the crazy goal he scored against us,” Paratici told Sky Italia.
“(Ronaldo’s agent) Jorge Mendes told us that Cristiano was stunned by the attention he received, he said that one day he would like to come to Juventus.”
Paratici added: “I asked Mendes about Cristiano when we closed the deal for [Joao] Cancelo,”
“[Mendes] explained the situation to me,” Paratici continued. “I talked to our president, Andrea Agnelli. In the first place, the figures were the most difficult thing.
“Agnelli took a few hours, he told me to go ahead and see if there was really an opportunity.
“Cristiano is the strongest player in the world and the negotiations were done between two big clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid.
“It’s easier to do business and make transfers with a great player like him and a great agent like Mendes.”
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo also had some nice words to say about Juventus stating that he preferred to end his career at a big club rather than ending it in Asia or the United States.
“I’m not sad about leaving Real Madrid, this is a big club and with all due respect players at this stage of my career usually go to Qatar or China, so I’m grateful to Juventus for allowing me to join such a big club,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“I feel great to be here. It’s a big challenge, it’s a tough league but I’ll be ready,” he added. “Age isn’t important, I feel good and motivated. I’m excited. I’ll try to do my best as always and I’m looking forward to trying to do my best and winning every title.
“Juventus gave me a wonderful opportunity and I’m so grateful for that. I can see that Juventus is a club that can have a lot of success, they’ve won domestic cups and Scudetti and were in the Champions League final.
“I’m so proud to be here, I’m proud they were interested in me and I hope I can take Juventus to an even higher level.”