Turin: Italian Serie A champions Juventus unveiled their new galactico signing Cristiano Ronaldo here Monday as the club’s new No.7 has explained he wanted to leave Real Madrid for a big club like Juve, rather than settle for an easy retirement in China or Qatar.
The Portugal international was unveiled following the completion of his medical, sealing a for USD 117mn move to Serie A.
Speaking at his first press conference for Juventus, the 33-year-old signalled his intent of still playing at the highest level of professional football instead of opting for the ‘easy’ option of signing for a club based in a lucrative Asian league.
“I’m not sad about leaving Real, 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. Age isn’t important, I feel motivated and excited. Juventus gave me a wonderful opportunity and I’m so grateful for that,” added the Portuguese.
Earlier on the day, Ronaldo underwent a medical, before signing a four-year contract with the Italian club. In his nine years with Real, Ronaldo became the club’s all-time top scorer with 451 goals in 438 games, leading Los Blancos to four Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, and two Copa del Rey titles.