New Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo too 'different' to be lured by China

Chris Bailey 06:43 17/07/2018
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a cut above the rest on the field and he insists his mentality as a football veteran is unique as well after refusing to be lured by the trappings of China.

    The Portuguese icon officially swapped Real Madrid, where he spent nine glorious and goal-filled years, for Turin and fabled Serie A team Juventus on Monday.

    But whereas some aging players opt to expand their fortunes in China, with Argentina’s Javier Mascherano and the recently returned Paulinho two such examples, Ronaldo has unfinished business in Europe.

    The 33-year-old was unveiled at Allianz Arena after completing a 100 million deal and was happy telling the world how ‘different’ a player he truly is.

    “I’m different from other players who think their careers are over when they’re my age,” said the Portugal captain. “I want to show that I’m not like the others, I’m different.

    “Players of my age go to China so coming to such an important club at this stage in my career makes me very happy.”

    Ronaldo is unlikely to be on a budget in Italy, however, having signed a four-year deal estimated to be worth 30m a year.

    Juve are seeking an eighth Serie A title on the bounce next term but the Champions League is the main reason that he now resides in Italy.

    The club’s bosses are desperate to clinch a trophy that has eluded them since 1996 and in Ronaldo, who has scored an astonishing 120 goals in the competition, they have a man who has a cabinet full of European winners’ medals.

    “We’re going to fight for not just Champions League, but also Serie A and the others trophies,” added Ronaldo, a victor of five Champions League titles.

    “I need to work hard because the Champions League is not easily won. I hope I can help.”

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