JUVENTUS
Agnelli predicted Ronaldo signing five years ago
In 2014, Juventus were not in the powerful position they are now and Andrea Agnelli said one day they would be able to sign players such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fox Sports called it "the signing of the century" and say it is icing on the cake of the Agnelli family project as they return Juventus to the top table of European football. It is a transfer that has generated thousands of debates not and plenty more to come in the future depending on his performance. Ronaldo's price at €117 million, his age at 33, and his salary of €30 million along with his ambition to leave Real Madrid will be the focus of analysis for years to come. You can, however, put the signing of Ronaldo as a great move by Juventus, who looked like they could never sign one of the biggest players in the world. Can they win the Champions League next season? With Cristiano Ronaldo, it is now possible.
From the depths of despair to a new era with Cristiano Ronaldo
The first decade of the 21st century was a disaster for Juventus after being relegated for match fixing in 2006 (Calciopoli). It now seems like ancient history but at the time it was devastating for the club. Nedved, Del Piero, Buffon, Pirlo, Chiellini, Conte, Allegri and a large investment by the Agnelli family has helped to resuscitate the Old Lady. They have won seven Scudettos in a row and made it to two Champions League finals and now, with the signing of Ronaldo, it feels like they could be on the brink of a new even more successful stage.
As an example of their lack of sway, back in 2010, Antonio di Natale rejected Juve to continue with Udinese. As a sign of their economic weakness, they tried to sign Sergio Aguero in 2014 but could not afford the transfer.
Back then, faced with critics from all corners, Andrea Agnelli said that "one day, we will be able to sign players like Cristiano Ronaldo." That day has arrived. Nearly five years later, Ronaldo has arrived and wanted to make the move. That is something that was unthinkable back then. Agnelli's prophecy has come to pass.
