Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has encouraged five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi to come join him in the Serie A.
Ronaldo moved to Juventus from Real Madrid last summer and he’s made a great start to life in Turin with 10 goals and five assists through 15 games.
Ronaldo played against Messi for nine seasons in La Liga as the two competed for the Ballon d’Or on a yearly basis with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric recently becoming the first player since 2007 to break up the pair’s domination of the award.
The two players are widely regarded as two of the greatest players to ever lace up football boots and Ronaldo would love to see his career rival play in Italy before he retires.
“I’d like him to come to Italy one day. I hope he accepts the challenge like me, but if he’s happy there then I respect that,” he told the Italian press on Monday.
Messi and Barcelona won the La Liga title in six of the nine seasons Ronaldo was in Spain and the Portuguese winger certainly doesn’t miss competing against his old foe.
“No, maybe it’s him who misses me,” Ronaldo added.
“I’ve played in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and for my national team, while he’s still in Spain.
“Maybe he needs me more… For me, life is a challenge, I like it and I like to make people happy.
“He’s a fantastic player and a good guy, but I don’t miss anything here. This is my new life and I’m happy.
“I left my comfort zone and took on this challenge here in Turin, everything has gone well, I’ve proven I’m still an incredible player.”
