Cristiano Ronaldo said that he’s “different” from other players of his age who move to China or Qatar for mega-money deals, during his official unveiling as a Juventus player on Monday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was his usual confident self at a press conference in Turin attended by media from all over the globe, following the announcement last week of his €100 million ($117 million) move from European champions Real Madrid.
“I’m different from other players who think their careers are over when they’re my age,” said the 33-year-old Portugal captain.
“I want to show that I’m not like the others, I’m different.
“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.”
Juventus signed the superstar attacker, who signed a four-year deal worth a reported €30 million a season, in the hope that he will push them to a coveted Champions League title, the continent’s holy grail.
Preparing to make a run at their eighth Serie A title in as many years and winner of four straight domestic doubles, the Old Lady of Italian football have struggled to turn Italian dominance into European trophies.
Juve haven’t won the competition since 1996 but were beaten finalists in 2015 and 2017, bested respectively by Barcelona and Ronaldo’s former club.
Ronaldo meanwhile has scored more Champions League’s goals — 120 — than anyone else and won four out of the last five editions with Real Madrid.
“We’re going to fight for not just Champions League, but also Serie A and the others trophies,” he said.
“I need to work hard because the Champions League is not easily won. I hope I can help.”
Age is just a number for Juventus new boy Cristiano Ronaldo
Age is just a number for Juventus new boy Cristiano Ronaldo
King Fahd Stadium to host 2027 Asian Cup final
- Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece
KUALA LUMPUR: Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of next year’s Asian Cup, officials announced Monday, the football showpiece seen as a precursor for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the World Cup but first will host the Asian Cup from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027.
“The King Fahd Sports City Stadium ... will provide the backdrop for both the eagerly anticipated final as well as the opening match, featuring hosts and three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia,” the AFC said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.
The 70,000-plus venue in Riyadh will also host four group stage battles, a round of 16 tie and a quarterfinal match before the final in early February, the AFC added.
Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece.
Asian Cup matches will also be played in Jeddah and Alkhobar.
Match pairings and kickoff times will be confirmed at the AFC’s final draw on April 11 in Riyadh, the AFC said.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, staged and won the Asian Cup two years ago.
The tournament was supposed to take place in China in 2023, but was moved out of the country because of the country’s COVID policies at the time.
