Cristiano Ronaldo's Post-Real Madrid Club In 2018

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid in 2018 marked the end of an era for both the player and the club. After nine trophy-laden seasons, the Portuguese superstar decided to embark on a new challenge. So, which club did Cristiano Ronaldo join after leaving Real Madrid? Let's dive into the details of this high-profile transfer and explore the impact it had on Ronaldo's career and the footballing world.

Juventus: A New Chapter in Italy

After much speculation, Cristiano Ronaldo officially joined Juventus on July 10, 2018. The transfer fee was reported to be around €100 million, with an additional €12 million in add-ons. This move sent shockwaves throughout the football world, as Juventus, one of Italy's most prestigious clubs, secured the services of one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo signed a four-year contract with the Bianconeri, committing himself to the club until 2022.

Reasons for Joining Juventus

Several factors contributed to Ronaldo's decision to join Juventus. Firstly, he was reportedly seeking a new challenge after having achieved immense success with Real Madrid. At Real Madrid, Ronaldo had won four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and numerous individual awards, including four Ballon d'Or awards. Moving to Juventus offered him the opportunity to prove himself in a different league and culture.

Secondly, Juventus had been a dominant force in Italian football, winning seven consecutive Serie A titles prior to Ronaldo's arrival. However, the club had been longing for Champions League glory, having lost in the final twice in recent years (2015 and 2017). Ronaldo's arrival was seen as the missing piece of the puzzle, the player who could help Juventus finally conquer Europe.

Thirdly, the financial incentives offered by Juventus were undoubtedly attractive. The club was willing to pay Ronaldo a substantial salary, making him one of the highest-paid players in the world. This financial security, combined with the sporting challenge, made Juventus an appealing destination for Ronaldo.

Impact on Juventus and Serie A

Ronaldo's arrival had a significant impact on Juventus and Serie A as a whole. On the field, he immediately became the focal point of the team's attack, scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates. In his first season, he scored 21 league goals, helping Juventus win their eighth consecutive Serie A title. He also won the Serie A Most Valuable Player award, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

Off the field, Ronaldo's arrival brought increased attention and commercial opportunities to Juventus and Serie A. The club's social media following grew exponentially, and matchday attendance increased. Serie A also benefited from increased global exposure, with more fans tuning in to watch Ronaldo play. His presence helped to elevate the league's profile and attract other top players.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the initial excitement, Ronaldo's time at Juventus was not without its challenges and criticisms. While he continued to score goals, some critics argued that his performances were not as dominant as they had been at Real Madrid. There were also questions about his tactical fit within the team, with some suggesting that Juventus' style of play did not fully suit his strengths.

Furthermore, Juventus' failure to win the Champions League during Ronaldo's tenure was seen as a disappointment. Despite his best efforts, the club was unable to replicate the success he had enjoyed at Real Madrid in Europe. This led to some criticism of Ronaldo's overall impact on the team, with some arguing that he had not delivered the desired results.

Other Potential Clubs

Before joining Juventus, several other clubs were linked with a move for Cristiano Ronaldo. These included:

  • Manchester United: A return to his former club was often speculated, with many fans dreaming of seeing him back at Old Trafford. However, a deal never materialized.
  • Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): The French giants were also rumored to be interested in signing Ronaldo, but they ultimately did not make a formal offer.
  • Various MLS Clubs: Some reports suggested that Ronaldo could move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, but he ultimately decided to stay in Europe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus after leaving Real Madrid in 2018. This move marked a new chapter in his career and had a significant impact on both Juventus and Serie A. While his time at Juventus was not without its challenges, he continued to score goals and win trophies, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. The transfer was a major event in the football world, and it continues to be discussed and analyzed to this day.

Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join Juventus was driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for a new challenge, the opportunity to win the Champions League, and the financial incentives offered by the club. His arrival had a positive impact on Juventus, both on and off the field, and helped to elevate the profile of Serie A. Despite the challenges and criticisms, Ronaldo's time at Juventus will be remembered as a successful period in his career.

Ultimately, Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus demonstrated his ambition, his desire to compete at the highest level, and his willingness to embrace new challenges. It was a bold decision that paid off in many ways, and it further solidified his status as a global icon.