Platini finds Ronaldo’s Juve move ‘odd’
Former Juventus midfielder Michel Plantini questioned the logic behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 112 miliion euro move to the Italian team from Real Madrid and was surprised that the player sought out a new adventure at this stage in his career.
Platini expected Ronaldo to stick to the team which has brought him success. "I think it's odd that at 33 years of age he's left 'his' Real Madrid, with whom he has won three Champions Leagues in a row, to try a new adventure.
"When I was 32 lots of teams wanted me, but I retired because I was tired."
The Portuguese remains one of if not the most marketable players in world football and his goal-scoring exploits for the past few seasons have seen Real Madrid win three back-to-back Champions League titles. However, a move to a new country and a new team presents its own challenges. Real Madrid had a dominant midfield capable of feeding Ronaldo with optimum service. In Juventus, Ronaldo might be asked to do a lot more as well. He has so far failed to find the net in his first two appearances.
Platini also said he did not understand how the transfer came about. "I can't understand the move,” he said.
"I do not know if Juventus has contacted him or if it was Mendes who offered him, I cannot understand this operation."
Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi also questioned the motive behind Ronaldo’s signing. He said that from a financial point of view, especially marketing, it was a ‘sensational deal’ but was adamant that he would not have spent that amount on a 33-year-old player.
"But I would never have spent such a high fee on a 33-year-old - and I would certainly not have announced it before selling Higuain, someone who scores 20 goals a season,” Moggi said.
Comments