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Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid players made Lionel Messi claim before Juventus move
CRISTIANO RONALDO’s professionalism was praised by Real Madrid players during his time at the Bernabeu, with the Juventus star often being compared to Lionel Messi.
Juventus: Ronaldo, Cuadrado and Cancelo celebrate
Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid was four Champions League triumphs and two La Liga crowns before he left for Juventus earlier this summer.
The 33-year-old is enjoying life in Turin, recently rediscovering his mojo to drive the Old Lady towards the Serie A title.
And Wolves star Adama Traore, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona, has revealed Real Madrid players would compare the Argentine to Cristiano Ronaldo by lauding their professionalism.
He said: "I think back to the players I saw every day.
“Lionel Messi, we used to see him at training and I saw how professional he is and how hard he works.
“I spoke with a few people training with Real Madrid and they said the same about Cristiano Ronaldo – he's the first one at training and the last one to leave.
“These guys taught us about relationships, family and the experience as to how they got there and about dealing with pressure from a young age.
“I played for Barcelona aged 17.
“Cristiano and Messi, they don't read the papers, because they are focused on the objective.
“This is why I appreciate so much those two players."
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s move to Juventus this summer has been praised by Luis Figo.
"Juventus have more options now,” Figo told DAZN.
“Cristiano guarantees quality and goals because he is a winner — the best in the world.
“Juventus have more chances to win Champions League this year.”
Ronaldo is set to start for Juventus when they go up against Cagliari today (7.30pm).
Messi has just returned from injury, though, and may miss Barcelona’s La Liga showdown with Rayo Vallecano (7.45pm).
Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona training after arm injury
Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus stats
Serie A
-10 matches played
-Seven goals
-Four assists
Champions League
-Two matches played
-No goals
-One red card