All hell broke loose on July 10th when Real Madrid announced Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Serie A champion Juventus. The 33-year-old star played for nine years as part of the Real Madrid during which the club won 16 titles that include two La Liga and four Champions League titles.
The Portugal captain signed a four-year deal with Juventus, who confirmed a transfer fee of €100 million. Reports also suggested that Ronaldo will be making €30 million per year during his time with the Italian giants.
Ronaldo will be joining his teammates for training at the Allianz Stadium in the coming days. It will be interesting to see how the most celebrated footballer in the world will adapt to rough Italian football. Let us take a look at recently departed Juventus stars who will regret not sharing the dressing room with Ronaldo.
Gianluigi Buffon
Most probably the one combination that the fans all around the world wanted to witness on the green lush was that of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon left Juventus at the end of last season after spending 18 long years at Allianz Stadium and went on to join PSG.
The 40-year-old Italian legend has played over 650 matches for Juventus during his illustrious career. Buffon will always remember Ronaldo as the guy who snatched the Champions League title away from him. One of the most decorated stopper and striker of the modern era playing in the same team has now become a distant dream.
Kwadwo Asamoah
Kwadwo Asamoah is one of the most respected players at Juventus. Asa, as lovingly called by the fans, played 149 matches for Juventus in all competitions. Asamoah’s ability to play in various positions on the football pitch was the main reason behind his immense success at the club. With six league titles, three Super Cups and four Coppa Italia under his name, Asamoah left Juventus after spending six years at the club and went on to sign a three-year contract with rivals Inter Milan.
The left-back who cemented his legacy at Juventus will definitely regret not playing alongside Ronaldo, but will have the pleasure of playing against him in the upcoming Serie A season.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Stephan Lichtsteiner is one of the most feared players on the field during his seven-year stint with Juventus. As an attacking right-back, his ability to turn defense into offense has won the team numerous matches.
A regular in starting XI earned him over 250 caps for the club in all competitions. Ronaldo would have definitely loved to play along with him because of his exploits on the green lush. Having joined Premier League giant Arsenal last month, Lichtsteiner has missed the golden opportunity to share the dressing room with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.
Verdict
It would have definitely been awesome if Gianluigi Buffon, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner had remained in Juventus. With these three in defense and Cristiano Ronaldo playing upfront, it would have definitely been a treat for the Juve fans.