Lionel Messi on Ronaldo transfer to Juventus: The Barca star spoke in-depth about Ronaldo’s stunning move to Italy.
Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, reveals that he was shocked when his former Real Madrid counterpart, Cristiano Ronaldo left the club.
The Portuguese superstar joined Juventus for a fee of £105m, a move that Messi thinks has weakened Real Madrid and strengthened Juventus.
In an interview with Catalunya Radio, the Barcelona skipper claimed that Juventus will now become one of the leading contenders for the UeFA champions league following Crisiano’s arrival.
However, Messi was quick to add that he thinks its time he captures another European trophy with Barcelona.
The Argentine legend spoke:
“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and they have a great squad [but] it’s evident that the absence of Ronaldo makes them less good and makes Juventus [one of the] clear favourites to win the Champions League.
“It surprised me [when he left]. I didn’t imagine him leaving Madrid or joining Juventus. There were a lot of teams that wanted him. It surprised me, but he has gone to a very good team.”
The 30-year-old also stressed on the new trends in football, with wealthy owners making their clubs desirable enough to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Messi also claimed that he is unsure whether he will retire at the Camp Nou or not.
The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed:
“Before, everyone wanted to play for Barca or Madrid, who were the best, but now everything’s tighter and there’s not much of a difference between the teams in Manchester, PSG, Madrid, us, Bayern [Munich], the Italians.
“When the moment comes, I will decide. I want to finish the contract I have and then we will see if I continue or not. It doesn’t worry me right now. [But] the club can be calm [when I am gone] if they keep bringing players through the academy and making good signings.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s public comments always made one think that it was certain that the Portuguese sensation would leave the Bernabeu. However, his shock move to Italy wasn’t a foresighted event.
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Italy’s Serie A is currently amongst the weakest of the top five European leagues, far away from the likes ot La Liga and Premier League.
Cristiano must have had various extravagant commercial deals in England, but the 5-time UCL winner chose to switch to Turin. If Ronaldo wins the league there, he will have won the leagues of Europe’s three giants.
On the other hand, Juventus will also be benefitted from the purchase of Ronaldo, who has been sensational in the UCL.
The Italian giants have a history of performing well throughout the tournament, before finishing agonisingly short. However, it will be interesting to see if Ronaldo’s addition can help Massimiliano Allegri’s men overcome the odds.
