The Bianconeri have invested €100 million in a proven performer who has landed European football’s biggest prize on five previous occasions
Cristiano Ronado brings “something extra” to Juventus and is capable of securing them a Champions League crown, says Andrea Pirlo.
The Bianconeri pulled off a stunning transfer coup this summer when luring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner away from Real Madrid.
They have paid €100 million (£89m/$116m) for a 33-year-old, but Ronaldo has been showing no sign of slowing down as he continues to raise the bar of individual brilliance.
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He has previously been a title winner and European champion in England and Spain with Manchester United and Madrid, and Pirlo expects the Portuguese to remain on the trophy trail in Italy.
The former Juve midfielder told Sky Sport Italia: “Cristiano Ronaldo can bring that something extra, which Juventus need.
“I’m happy that a great champion has joined Juve. Buying a player like him doesn’t win you the Champions League alone, but you get a lot closer to it.
“Ronaldo is a player who tilts balances, and he can help Juventus win the Champions League.
“He’s a top player, he’ll make the difference and we’ll see something beautiful.”
Juve have not tasted continental glory since 1996.
Ronaldo has frustrated them in the last two seasons, netting crucial goals in the 2017 final and during a highly-charged quarter-final clash in 2018.
He has already spoken of his desire to deliver the one trophy those in Turin are crying out for, with a European triumph being chased down after seven successive Serie A titles.
Ronaldo said on his official unveiling: “I don’t see the Champions League as an obsession.
“As the president has told me, it’s not an obsession but a dream. I’m here to help Juventus make it come true. It’s possible.”
Ronaldo is the leading goalscorer in Champions League history, with the target having been found on 120 occasions to date.
He recorded 12 efforts of that tally in 2017-18, with that return enough to see him finish as the competition’s leading marksman for the seventh time in a remarkable career.