Cristiano Ronaldo confirms the Champions League is “an objective” for Juventus, pointing out “I’m not here on holiday”.
The Bianconeri have been to the final twice in the past four seasons, but were beaten first by Barcelona and then by CR7’s Real Madrid.
The Portuguese has lifted the trophy five times, and his arrival in Turin is being seen by many as a sign the Old Lady is going all out for the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms the Champions League is “an objective” for Juventus, pointing out “I’m not here on holiday”.
The Bianconeri have been to the final twice in the past four seasons, but were beaten first by Barcelona and then by CR7’s Real Madrid.
The Portuguese has lifted the trophy five times, and his arrival in Turin is being seen by many as a sign the Old Lady is going all out for the Champions League.
“I know that the Champions League is a trophy that every club would like to win, it's an objective,” Ronaldo said at his presentation today.
“We're going to fight for that and for the Scudetto, and all the other trophies.
“I know the competition will be tough, but we have to be calm and focused because it's not easy to win the Champions League. Of course, I want to try to help.
“Juventus have been one step away from it and couldn't win. Even if you get to the final it's not certain you'll win, but I hope I can be the lucky charm.
“I'm not here on holiday, I want to make history with Juventus.”
Ronaldo won the Champions League last season, and it was after that that he said “it has been nice playing for Real Madrid” – had he already decided to join Juve?
“I hadn't decided in that moment to move to Juventus. Thanks to the President and the top management though, they thought of me and there were many important things.
“I'm in good shape physically, emotionally and mentally and I'm so proud to be here.
“As I’ve said, there are players who think their career is over at 32, 33 or 34 but being able to make this choice shows that I’m different from the others.
“I've had the chance to meet my new Coach, but I'll start training on July 30. I'd like to play my first match in Serie A on August 12 [19], the first match.
“Juventus gave me a wonderful opportunity and I'm so grateful for that. I can see that Juventus is a club that can have a lot of success, they've won domestic cups and Scudetti and were in the Champions League final.
“I'm so proud to be here, I'm proud they were interested in me and I hope I can take Juventus to an even higher level.”
CR7 was inevitably asked about his rivalry with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi…
“I don't see players as rivals,” Ronaldo shrugged.
“Everyone speaks about my rivalry with Messi, but everyone fights for their own club and that's what I'll do here.
“In the end we'll look back and see who is the best.
“The Ballon d’Or? I'm not thinking about that. Of course I want to win and be the best, but who knows?
“Maybe I'll be awarded it again, but things will happen naturally. It was difficult to win it before, and it will be here too. So we'll see.”
Ronaldo worked with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has he spoken to the Napoli Coach?
“No, we haven't talked yet but I liked working with him. We're not working together anymore and next time we meet we'll be opponents, but I'll be very glad to see him because he really supported me.”
The Portuguese was famously given a standing ovation after scoring at Juventus Stadium last season.
"It was a really a stunning moment. To be rewarded in that way is really gratifying, so I hope I can reward them in kind when I play for them. I'd also like to thank all the fans who came to the airport last night and here this morning."