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Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star has made THIS impact since Real Madrid move - Cuadrado
CRISTIANO RONALDO’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus has boosted the Serie A giants’ chances of silverware, according to team-mate Juan Cuadrado.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his nine-year stint with Real Madrid back in the summer, joining Juventus in a massive £105million transfer deal.
The 33-year-old endured a rocky start to life in Turin, failing to score from his first three outings and receiving a red card in a Champions League match against Valencia.
Since then, though, Ronaldo has hit the goal trail. The Portugal international has found the net nine times for his new club, with the most recent coming against AC Milan last weekend.
Many feel Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid makes Juventus the favourites to win the Champions League.
And team-mate Cuadrado, who gave up his No 7 shirt upon Ronaldo’s arrival, has lauded the veteran for the impact he has made.
"Ronaldo is a friend of all, a great professional and a person of the heart, as well as being the added value to allow Juventus to fight in all competitions,” he said.
“Every day we learn from him, he always wants to win and achieve goals, as well as doing gym work every time before starting training.
"A great professional and player, but despite this, he is an extremely simple person, a normal boy, like all his teammates, with the difference of being a great player, a great athlete who won by reaping the fruits of his job.
“We have a great team, but we must be calm because there is so much competition, keeping our feet on the group and, indeed, working.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal’s Nations League campaign has sent tongues wagging.
Many have claimed the player will no longer feature, having not played for his country since the World Cup.
But Portugal manager Fernando Santos insists he remains part of their plans.
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"There is no doubt. If you still have doubts, I don't know," he said.
”But Cristiano Ronaldo is part of this team."
Ronaldo is next in action when Juventus face minnows Spal next week (5pm).
Cuadrado could also feature in that match.