‘Being a champion is in Ronaldo’s blood’
The former Real Madrid defender Christian Panucci lauded the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he said that winning and being a champion comes naturally to Ronaldo and also predicted a great career for the 33-year old in his new club Juventus. Panucci however warned the ace forward as he said that leaving Real Madrid was the biggest mistake in the Italian defender’s career which he still regrets.
Panucci won LaLiga, the Supercopa de Espana, the Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup during his three-year spell in Madrid before moving to Inter, where he struggled to recapture his form and fell out with then coach Marcello Lippi.
The 45-year old shared his story with El Partidazo de COPE and admitted that he still regrets his decision of leaving Real Madrid and joining Inter Milan during his footballing career.
“When I left Madrid I was convinced,” Panucci said.
“I wanted to leave Madrid and it was the biggest foolishness of my sports career, and I regret it now.” Panucci added.
However, the Italian defender is convinced that Ronaldo will not regret his new move to the Italian Champions and said that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can emulate his form at Juventus and become a champion.
“Cristiano is going to win because he is too good a player not to do it. It’s normal madness for Cristiano, he’s the best in the world.
“He’s a very smart signing who is going to give other great players a push to come to Italy.
“Being a champion is in his blood.” Panucci continued.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid as the all-time top scorer of the club having netted 450 times in just 438 matches for Los Blancos. Panucci also mentioned that the European giants might face some difficulties in the coming season without the prolific striker and Zinedine Zidane, who left his position as the head coach of the club after winning three consecutive UCL title and was later replaced by Julen Lopetegui at the helm.
“It could be a difficult season for Madrid,” he said.
“Zidane is leaving, Cristiano is leaving. It's not easy to substitute them and more after winning three Champions Leagues in a row.” Panucci concluded.
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