Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has challenged Lionel Messi to join him in Serie A. “Maybe it’s him who misses me…”
Ronaldo not only ended a nine-year association with Madrid over the summer but also his personal rivalry with the Barcelona superstar, given they regularly contested the Clasico and dominated the Ballon d’Or podium.
“I can say this is the best group I’ve been a part of,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Here we’re a team. Some players feels bigger than others at other clubs, whereas here everyone’s rowing on the same boat. We’re all humble and we want to win.
“If Dybala or Mandzukic don’t score, you still see them happy and similing. For me it’s beautiful, I can sense the difference.
“The players at Madrid are humble too, but here… I feel they are more so. It’s very different to Madrid and more of a family here.
“The past has passed. Now I want to win with Juve, I have to defend these colours. The rest doesn’t matter. If I played against Real, I’d try to give my best.
“I’ve seen you write about James, Bale and Asensio, but to be honest Juventus don’t need other players.
“You must talk to the President about that. As for the future, I don’t know. Marcelo’s strong, our doors are open to good players and Marcelo is one of them.
“I’ve never bet on anything with Allegri, only in games with Dybala, Mandzukic and Khedira. I win 99 percent of the time, maybe a few euros or a bottle of wine.
“I’ve built up a collection of three bottles and 200-300 euros in the dressing room! As for Messi, maybe it’s him who misses me…
“I’ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he’s still in Spain.
“Maybe he needs me more… For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy.
“I’d like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he’s happy there then I respect that.
“He’s a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don’t miss anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.”