Transfer: Why I’m joining Juventus – De Ligt

Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt has revealed why he had chosen Juventus ahead of other clubs.

De Ligt said that as a boy, he dreamed of being with Cristiano Ronaldo and he even owned a United shirt with the Portuguese star’s name on the back.

Ronaldo, after Portugal’s win over Netherlands, had told De Ligt to consider joining him at Juventus.

The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the hottest talents in Europe after a superb season at the back for the Dutch champions.

De Ligt’s current form has brought about interest from across Europe with Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all jostling for his signature.

The defender is closing in on a move to the Serie A giants where he will link up with his boyhood hero.

He has reportedly agreed a five-year contract at Juve and the prospect of playing with Ronaldo clearly appeals to him.

Speaking to Dutch magazine VI recently, De Ligt explained: “It all went quickly, I realise that sometimes. During the season, at the club and during competitions, you don’t really have the time to review everything as a player.

“But sometimes there are times when I realise that it is not normal. Like recently, when I had dinner with some childhood friends.

“We came to the conclusion that I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we were playing football in the garden. That was especially in his time when he played at Manchester United.

“My first football shirt also belonged to him from that time. That dinner was just after the meetings with Juventus, in which I had to fight duels with the same Ronaldo.”

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