Why I Left Real Madrid For Juventus – Cristiano Ronaldo

C. Ronaldo Explains Decision To Join Juventus

Portuguese super star, Cristiano Ronaldo has explained reasons behind his recent decision to leave Real Madrid and join Italian Serie A giants, Juventus.

Ronaldo, 33 stated he wanted to still play football at the highest level rather than settle for easy retirement in countries such as China or Qatar.

As earlier reported by Naija News, Ronaldo has already been unveiled as a Juventus player after undergoing a successful medical to seal a €100 million (£88m/$117m) move.

Speaking at his first press conference for Juventus, he said;

“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.”

Commenting on the age-long perceived rivalry between himself and Lionel Messi, Ronaldo said:

“I don’t see players as rivals.”

“Everyone speaks about my rivalry with Messi, but everyone fights for their own club and that’s what I’ll do here. In the end we’ll look back and see who is the best.”

The Italian fixture list for the 2018/2019 season is expected to be released on Friday July 20, and Ronaldo and his new teammates will learn who their opponents will be.