‘Grateful’ Ronaldo hopes to be ‘lucky star’ at Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo said he was “grateful for the opportunity” Juventus gave him as players of his age “usually go to Qatar or China.”

The 33-year-old joined the Serie A champions from Spanish club Real Madrid for a Italian record transfer of $117 million.

“To come to this club at this stage of my career, I am very happy,” said the Portuguese star during his presentation in Turin.

“Juventus gave me a wonderful opportunity. I’m so grateful. They gave value to my football style so it’s a step forward as I see it.”

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner including one last year – after he led Portugal to their only major trophy victory at Euro-16 and won his fifth Champions League with Real – also added that he wanted to be the ‘lucky star’ that Juventus needed as they attempt to win the coveted the title that has eluded them since 1996.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Serie A giants, Juventus

The ‘Bianconeri’ are Italy’s most successful club having won the league title 34 times – including seven in a row from 2011-17. However they have not been as successful in Europe, where they last won the CL in 1996, coming second in their last five appearances in the final.

“I do know that the Champions League is a trophy every club would like to win,” said Ronaldo who has scored 120-times in the competition. “This is an option. We are going to fight not only for the Champions League but for the Serie A title.

“We know competition will be harsh but we must stay concentrated. I hope I can help Juventus win it. I hope I can be the lucky star of this club but we will see what happens.

” I hope I can take Juventus to an even higher level.”

‘I am not like others, I am different,’ says Ronaldo

When asked on what contributed to his decision of coming to ‘Lady Turin’, Ronaldo said that there was ‘many important things’ that made him sign for the Juventus, but most of all was to keep to his wish of playing till the age of 41.

“I am well – physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said. “That is why I am so proud of being here and the way I have come here.

“I am different from all the other players who think that their career is over at my age, but I want to show the others that I am different. It is very emotional for me at the club now because I am not 23, I am 33.”

“Players of my age go to China or Qatar so coming to such an important club at this stage in my career makes me very happy. It gives me so much momentum for the future,”he added.