Although he was hesitant to label it as the main factor for his move to Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that the affection from supporters last year played a big part in convincing him.
The Portugal international was referring to the Champions League quarter-final clash between his current club and former employers Real Madrid last season in Turin.
That night, Ronaldo was sensational and scored one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition with a stunning overhead kick, which was greeted with a standing ovation and a great deal of applause from the home support.
“Some say that the standing ovation influenced me, others say it didn’t. What I will say about it myself is that yes, the small details are what make the difference,” he explained in an interview with DAZN.
“So let’s say that what I saw at that stage was special and honest and it made me happy. I’m sorry to have scored against my current team but that’s part of the past, although I think it was the best goal of my career so far.
“Of course, when the fans inside the stadium started applauding, I was speechless. Nothing like that had ever happened to me before so it was an incredible moment.”
Ronaldo also wanted to reserve a word of thanks to his new Juventus teammate Juan Cuadrado, extending his gratitude to the Colombian for parting with his No. 7 jersey in order to allow CR7 to take it.
“I spoke with the club and with Cuadrado about that and they both told me that there was no problem,” he added. “I was surprised that they made it available to me because it is my favourite number.”
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com