Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that arch rival Lionel Messi should switch leagues to the Italian Seria A. Ronaldo made this disclosure in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and the Corriere dello Sport, will claiming that Juventus is better than former employers Real Madrid.
When asked whether he missed playing against Messi, Ronaldo said: “Maybe I miss him a little. I have played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, with the national team, while he has stayed in Spain. Maybe, he needs me more.
“For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make it happy. I would like him to come to Italy one day. Do what I did, accept the challenge. However, if he is happy there, I respect that.
“He is a great player, a great guy, but here I don’t miss anything. This is my new life and I am happy.”
Ronaldo also talked about the recent Balon D’or award which he missed out to former teammate Luka Modric.
“I think I deserve it every year. I work for that, but if I don’t win it’s not the end of the world. I respect the decision.
“On the field, I have done everything to win, the numbers don’t lie, but don’t think that I’m less happy if I don’t win. I have great friends and a family, I play for one of the best clubs, you think I go home and start crying? Of course I’m disappointed, but life goes on and I will work even harder.
“Anyway, congratulations to Modric, he deserves it, but next year we’ll see each other again and I’ll do everything to be there again.”
Juventus and winning the Champions League
“It shouldn’t be an obsession but this team is very strong.”
Adapting to life at Juventus
“It isn’t right to name someone specific but I can say that this is the best group in which I’ve played. Here, we are a squad, elsewhere, some players feel bigger than the others, instead here, everyone is on the same level, and they are humble and want to win.
“If Dybala or Mandzukic don’t score, they are still happy and you see them smile. For me it is beautiful, to feel that difference. Also at Madrid they are humble, but here I feel that sense more. It’s very different to Madrid, here it is more of a family.
“For me, facing Madrid is the same. The past is the past, now I want to win with Juve. I have to defend these colours and nothing else matters. If I play against Madrid, I will try to give my best.”
When asked about the player he would like to reunite with at the Turin, Ronaldo was quick to point at Marcelo, though admitted other players were good too.
“I’ve seen stories about James [Rodriguez], [Gareth] Bale, [Marco] Asensio, but honestly, Juventus don’t need any other players. You have to talk to the president. In the future, I don’t know. Marcelo is great, the doors are open for the great player and Marcelo is one of them.